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

FEC filings show the senator used private jets extensively during his 'Fight Oligarchy' tour with AOC.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Campaign finance disclosures reveal that Sen. Bernie Sanders 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 coincided with Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 'Fight Oligarchy' tour across the country. Sanders defended his use of private jets, saying it was the only way to efficiently travel and speak to large crowds.

Why it matters

Sanders has been a vocal supporter of the Green New Deal and has called climate change an 'existential threat,' yet his extensive use of private jets, which are up to 14 times more polluting than commercial flights, has raised questions about the senator's environmental credentials and commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

The details

According to FEC filings, Sanders spent at least $354,000 in campaign funds to pay for private jet services through Ventura Jets. He also used other private jet companies like N-Jet and Cirrus Aviation Services. The private jets Sanders used, such as the Bombardier Challenger, can cost up to $15,000 per hour to operate. Sanders defended his use of private jets, saying it was the only way to efficiently travel and speak to large crowds during the campaign.

  • In April, Sanders and AOC 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, which coincided with the 'Fight Oligarchy' tour with AOC.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator from Vermont and a self-identified Democratic socialist who has been a vocal supporter of the Green New Deal and has called climate change an 'existential threat.'

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

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

Ventura Air Services

A private jet company that operated the Bombardier Challenger private jet that Sanders and AOC were seen boarding and exiting.

N-Jet

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

Cirrus Aviation Services

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

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What they’re saying

“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, U.S. Senator (Fox News)

“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)

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.