Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is facing criticism after trying to defend his repeated use of private jets, calling it a necessary part of modern campaigning.
Sanders spent $221,723 on private jets in early 2025, according to a report by the Free Beacon.
The payment was made before launching his so-called anti-oligarchy tour.
During an appearance on Special Report with Bret Baier, Sanders attempted to justify the expense, claiming that private jet travel is essential to reaching voters across the country.
“When’s the last time you saw Donald Trump during a campaign mode at National Airport?” Sanders asked Baier.
“You run a campaign, and you do three or four or five rallies in a week. The only way you can get around to talk to 30,000 people. [Do you] think I’m going to be sitting in a waiting line at United, waiting, you know, what, 30,000 people are waiting?”
Instead of expressing any regret, Sanders doubled down on his travel choices.“That’s the only way you can get around. No apologies for that. That’s what campaign travel is about. We’ve done it in the past. We’re going to do it in the future,” Sanders added.
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He went on to claim that his supporters understand his mission, regardless of the optics.
“I think at a time when the people on top are doing phenomenally well, when seniors, working class people are struggling, people want to hear action to stand up to the people who have the wealth and the power and create an economy that works for all of us, not just the people on top,” Sanders said.
Critics have pointed out the hypocrisy of Sanders preaching economic equality while spending lavishly on private jets.
His travel habits appear at odds with his consistent attacks on billionaires and the wealthy elite.
Adding to the controversy, last month New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also came under fire for flying in luxury to join Sanders on the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour in Las Vegas.
Ocasio-Cortez was photographed in the first-class cabin of JetBlue Flight 511 on March 19, en route to Las Vegas, where she spoke at Sanders’ rally.
The next day, she stood side-by-side with Sanders at the event.
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