Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Luxury Campaign Expenses Under Scrutiny

In an exclusive report from Fox News Digital, it was revealed that Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., spent over $550,000 in 2025 on private jet travel using campaign funds, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings. The bulk of this expenditure occurred in the first half of the year during the Fighting Oligarchy tour with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

During a stop in April, Sanders was captured on camera boarding a luxurious Bombardier Challenger private jet at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California. A source confirmed Ocasio-Cortez was seen boarding the same aircraft. Later that day, both were documented exiting the jet in Sacramento, where they organized a subsequent rally.

The Bombardier Challenger flown by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez is operated by Ventura Air Services and is known for its wide cabin and exceptional comfort. Flights on the jet can cost up to $15,000 per hour. FEC records show Sanders allocated at least $354,000 for private jet services through Ventura Jets, among others, including N-Jet and Cirrus Aviation Services, in 2025.

N-Jet describes its services as providing a ‘personal touch’ to ensure passengers arrive in style, prioritizing luxury, comfort, and safety. Despite Sanders’ vocal advocacy for the Green New Deal, a robust climate change initiative, and his characterization of climate change as an ‘existential threat,’ he defends his use of private jets as necessary for campaigning.

‘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. You think I’m gonna be sitting on a waiting line at United … while 30,000 people are waiting?’ Sanders explained on Fox News’ ‘Special Report.’

Sanders has an established record of utilizing private jets for campaign travel. In his 2020 presidential bid, his campaign expended over $1.9 million on such flights through companies like Apollo Jets and the Advanced Aviation Team. Notably, critics, including climate activists, have expressed discontent with the environmental impact of private jets, which can be up to 14 times more polluting than commercial airliners.

Ocasio-Cortez, too, has voiced opposition to private jet usage, criticizing corporate executives for excessive air travel. Yet, her campaign finances reflect considerable spending on luxury accommodations during the Fighting Oligarchy tour. In 2025, she allocated over $53,000 on high-end hotels nationwide, such as The Leo Kent Hotel in Tucson and the Asher Adams Hotel in Salt Lake City.

Despite Fox News Digital’s attempts to obtain comments from Sanders’ and Ocasio-Cortez’s teams regarding these expenditures, no responses were provided before publication.