Sanders Defends Private Jet Use on Campaign Tour

Sen. Bernie Sanders has defended spending over $221,000 on private jets during the first quarter of 2025 for his 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour, arguing that private air travel is necessary to reach large numbers of supporters efficiently. Some chartered flights cost up to $15,000 per hour, according to federal filings. Sanders was confronted by Fox News' Bret Baier and other critics, who accused him of hypocrisy given his anti-elite and climate-focused messaging. Sanders countered that other politicians, such as Donald Trump, also use non-commercial travel, though critics note Trump's rhetoric differs. Sanders maintains that voters are primarily concerned with economic inequality and corporate influence, and he intends to continue his travel practices for campaign effectiveness. The controversy underscores tensions between Sanders' populist platform and the logistical realities of national campaigning.