Bernie Sanders Spent Over $550K in 2025 Campaign Funds on Private Jets

Filings show the senator's heavy use of private air travel during his 'Fight Oligarchy' tour with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:47pm

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According to a review of Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., spent over $550,000 in 2025 on private jet travel for himself using campaign funds. The majority of the spending came in the first two quarters, which cover up until July, when Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., had the majority of their 'Fight Oligarchy' tour stops across the country.

Why it matters

Sanders, a vocal supporter of the Green New Deal and who has called climate change an 'existential threat,' faced criticism over his use of private jets, which are up to 14 times more polluting than commercial planes. This spending raises questions about the environmental impact of campaign travel and whether Sanders is practicing what he preaches.

The details

The filings show Sanders spent at least $354,000 in campaign funds to pay for private jet services through Ventura Jets, as well as other companies like N-Jet and Cirrus Aviation Services. The private jets used were luxury models like the Bombardier Challenger, which can cost up to $15,000 per hour. Sanders defended his use of private jets, saying 'that's the only way to get around' to talk to large crowds on the campaign trail.

  • In April, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez were spotted boarding a private jet in Bakersfield, California, and later exiting the plane in Sacramento.
  • The majority of Sanders' private jet spending occurred in the first two quarters of 2025, when he and Ocasio-Cortez had the most tour stops.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator from Vermont and self-identified Democratic socialist who ran for president in 2020 and 2025.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A U.S. Representative from New York and a fellow Democratic socialist who joined Sanders on his 'Fight Oligarchy' tour in 2025.

Ventura Air Services

A private jet company that operated the Bombardier Challenger jet used by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, which can cost up to $15,000 per hour.

N-Jet

A private jet company that Sanders also used campaign funds to pay for travel.

Cirrus Aviation Services

Another private jet company that Sanders used campaign funds to pay for travel.

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What they’re saying

“You don't expect a socialist to fly commercial do you? There's no bigger hypocrite than the liberal who chastises us for eating meat and using gas stoves, yet flies in private jets.”

— Matt Gorman, Conservative political communications consultant (Fox News Digital)

“That's the only way to get around. No apologies for that. That's what campaign travel is about. We've done it in the past. We're gonna do it in future.”

— Bernie Sanders (Fox News' 'Special Report')

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.