Bernie Sanders faces backlash for flying first-class amid DHS shutdown: ‘Pathetic joke of a human’

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Bernie Sanders is drawing criticism for taking a first-class flight at a time when the country is dealing with a partial government shutdown. Sanders was seen leaving Washington on Friday, March 27, taking a first-class flight from Reagan National Airport at about 2:42 pm for the "No Kings" rally.

The timing sparked intense scrutiny since lawmakers failed to passed a bill to end the shutdown, which has led to federal workers facing financial strain due to delayed payments or missed pay. 

Photos of the senator onboard the flight circulating on social media garnered immediate backlash as critics felt that a high-cost flight amid such a situation is  tone-deaf, particularly as Sanders is known for his long-standing advocacy against economic inequality.

So far, Sanders has not made any official comment about the situation.

Senator Bernie Sanders takes first-class flight amid partial government shutdown

The timing of Sanders' flight drew attention, as it came shortly after House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected a Senate-passed bill aimed at funding TSA workers.

Sanders is set to attend a "No Kings" rally in Minnesota over the weekend. Photos making the rounds online showed him seated by a window on the plane, looking down at his bag and dressed in a suit. It appears he was unaware his image was being taken. 

The senator also shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Tomorrow, millions of Americans will be joining No Kings rallies. We will be saying NO to authoritarianism. NO to oligarchy. NO to endless wars. NO to the continued attacks against the working class. I look forward to seeing you in St Paul, MN.” 

The House was expected to vote on a new bill on Friday, March 27, but lawmakers remained divided over how to end the DHS shutdown, with many even flying out of Washington.

Meanwhile, TSA officers who had missed multiple paychecks amid the shutdown, are expected to receive compensation following an executive order by President Donald Trump aimed at restoring their pay.

However, the order does not cover all federal workers and applies specifically to TSA personnel, with uncertainty remaining over pay for other DHS staff such as FEMA and Coast Guard employees.

Social media teared into Bernie Sanders after flight photo went viral 

Online users reacted strongly after the image of Sanders aboard a first-class flight went viral. Many pointed out the contrast between his message and his travel choice. One user wrote, “Wow, the irony is strong with this one. First class to a 'no kings' rally? sounds like a royal mess.”

Another user quotes, "I hate that career grifter would be an understatement!"

"He is a pathetic joke of a human being. Typical democrat communist," shares another user. 

Another shares, "STOP VOTING FOR DEMOCRATS. We see how they ignore our needs and have no problem making sure they are living the high life. Elections are coming vote to save Americans."

 "This guy has spent hundreds of thousands millions over the years on private jets for his rallies, all while owning multiple homes and pushing wealth taxes on everyone richer than him," another user shares. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.