Private Jet and Luxury Spending by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

In an exclusive report, it has come to light that Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, who embarked on a nationwide Fighting Oligarchy tour alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, accrued over $550,000 in 2025 on private jet travel utilizing campaign funds, according to a Fox News Digital analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings.

The substantial expenditures primarily occurred during the first half of the year, coinciding with numerous tour stops across the country. Notably, in April, Fox News Digital obtained a photograph of Sanders boarding a lavish Bombardier Challenger private jet at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California. Observers also reported witnessing Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez boarding the same aircraft. The duo was later seen disembarking the jet in Sacramento the same day, aligning with their itinerary of hosting two rallies in different locations.

Senator Sanders and Representative Ocasio-Cortez have utilized campaign funds for private jet services from companies such as Ventura Jets, famed for their spacious cabins and exceptional passenger comfort. Reports show Sanders allocated at least $354,000 to Ventura Jets, with additional funds spent on services from N-Jet and Cirrus Aviation Services. N-Jet’s website boasts of offering a “personal touch,” ensuring luxury, comfort, and safety for its clients.

Despite being a staunch advocate for the Green New Deal, aimed at mitigating climate change by reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency, Sanders has been criticized for his private jet use. Despite this, he defended his travel decisions on Fox News’ Special Report last year, stating, “That’s the only way to get around.” He elaborated that to conduct multiple rallies a week, such travel is necessary to effectively reach tens of thousands of people, dismissing alternatives as impractical.

Ocasio-Cortez, who has previously criticized the use of private jets, particularly by CEOs, as excessively polluting and unacceptable, has also been associated with luxury campaign expenditures. Her campaign finances indicate significant spending at luxury hotels during their tour stops. In one instance, her campaign paid about $3,166 to The Leo Kent Hotel, a boutique establishment in Tucson, during a rally in April.

Additional expenses include stays at upscale hotels such as the Asher Adams Hotel in Salt Lake City, Hotel Vermont in Burlington, and several other high-end establishments around the country. Attempts to obtain comments from Sanders’ and Ocasio-Cortez’s offices regarding this spending did not receive a response.

Political communications consultant Matt Gorman humorously remarked, “You don’t expect a socialist to fly commercial, do you? There’s no bigger hypocrite than a liberal who lectures us on lifestyle choices yet travels in private jets.”

Overall, the reports of luxury travel and accommodation expenditures highlight the ongoing scrutiny and debate over the lifestyle choices of public figures, particularly those advocating for environmental causes.