Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) used more than $550,000 in campaign funds for private jet travel in 2025, according to a Fox News Digital review of Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings. Much of that spending coincided with the early months of his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
FEC Findings and Vendors
Federal filings show at least $354,000 was paid to Ventura Air Services for flights on a Bombardier Challenger, a business jet the operator markets for its wide cabin and passenger comfort. Ventura's website lists charter rates that can reach up to $15,000 per hour. Sanders' campaign records also list payments to other private aviation providers, including N-Jet and Cirrus Aviation Services.
Journalistic Details
Fox News Digital obtained a photograph in April showing Sanders boarding a Bombardier Challenger at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California. A source told the outlet that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez was seen boarding the same plane. Video later showed both leaving the aircraft in Sacramento ahead of a rally there.
Campaign Logistics and Sanders' Defense
Sanders, a vocal supporter of the Green New Deal who has called climate change an "existential threat," defended private flights when questioned last year. On Fox News' "Special Report," he said private jets were necessary to meet demanding campaign schedules: "You run a campaign, and you do three or four or five rallies in a week. [It is] the only way you can get around to talk to 30,000 people... That's the only way to get around. No apologies for that."
Environmental and Political Criticism
Private jet use has drawn criticism from climate advocates and political opponents alike. A 2021 Transport & Environment report estimated private jets can be up to 14 times more polluting per passenger than commercial flights. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has publicly criticized private jet use, and outside commentators have framed the spending as politically problematic for prominent advocates of aggressive climate policies.
Related Spending by Ocasio-Cortez's Campaign
FEC filings also show Ocasio-Cortez's campaign spent more than $53,000 on upscale hotels during the tour. One filing dated April 25 lists a $3,165.76 payment to The Leo Kent Hotel in Tucson near the time of a rally. Other hotel charges include stays at properties such as The Langham-Huntington in Pasadena, Hotel Vermont in Burlington, and Hotel El Convento in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Historical Context
Sanders has used private aviation on past campaigns as well: his 2020 presidential campaign reported more than $1.9 million in private jet expenses, including charters from Apollo Jets and Advanced Aviation Team.
Responses
Fox News Digital reported that representatives for Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez did not provide responses to requests for comment before publication. The article also quoted a political communications consultant criticizing the spending as hypocritical.
Note: All monetary figures and quotations are drawn from the FEC filings and reporting cited in the original review.
