Bernie Sanders spent more than $550K of 2025 campaign funds on private jets, filings show

WASHINGTON, DC: Bernie Sanders is back in the headlines. Federal Election Commission filings show Sanders spent more than $550,000 in 2025 on private jet travel for himself, using campaign funds. 

Most of the spending occurred in the first two quarters. This period also included the majority of stops on his nationwide tour with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), dubbed the “Flight Oligarchy” tour.

Sanders’ 2025 Federal Election Commission filings reveal he spent at least $354,000 on private jet services through Ventura Jets. Other companies he used with campaign funds included N-Jet and Cirrus Aviation Services. 

During his tour with AOC, Sanders spent heavily on private jets. He also used large amounts of campaign funds on luxury and “boutique” hotels. These expenses were in the states where they held their Fighting Oligarchy tour.

Campaign filings reveal majority of spending went to luxury air travel 

Bernie Sanders and AOC were spotted boarding a luxury Bombardier Challenger private jet at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California, according to Fox News. Sources from the publication confirmed that AOC was also on the flight.

Later that evening, the pair were seen exiting the plane in Sacramento, where the self-described democratic socialists held a second rally in one day. N-Jet’s website highlights the company’s “personal touch,” noting that customers will “arrive in style with your luxury, comfort and safety always top of mind.”

“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 said. “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.”

Private jets spark debate over progressive leaders and campaign spending

Sanders has long leaned on private jets while campaigning. Back in his 2020 presidential run, his campaign spent over $1.9 million on private jet travel, booking flights with companies like Apollo Jets and Virginia-based Advanced Aviation Team.

"For real, how many private jets do these CEOs need? It is insatiable. It is unacceptable," AOC said in 2023, as per FOX News. Conservative political communications consultant Matt Gorman gave his comment.  

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