Bernie Sanders Spent $608,000 on Private Jets, Luxury Hotels, Limousines During ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour
by David Lindfield
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has spent more than $600,000 on private jets, chauffeured transportation, and upscale hotels while traveling the country on his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, according to a new investigation examining campaign finance records.
The spending has drawn renewed scrutiny because Sanders has built his political brand around attacking wealthy elites, condemning economic inequality, and criticizing the influence of billionaires in American politics.
Yet records show his campaign operation has increasingly relied on the same luxury travel arrangements typically associated with the affluent class he frequently denounces.
Campaign Records Reveal Extensive Luxury Travel Spending
According to an analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) records, Sanders’ campaign committee, Friends of Bernie Sanders, spent approximately $607,814 on luxury travel and accommodations during a 15-month period spanning the launch of his national tour through March of this year.
The expenditures included $562,117 for 11 private jet trips, $16,633 for chauffeured cars and limousine services, and $29,064 for stays at upscale four-star hotels.
During that period, Sanders appeared at 32 rallies across the country as the featured speaker on his anti-Trump tour.
Among the campaign’s preferred vendors was Ventura Jets of New York, which received more than $352,000 for six flights.
The campaign also utilized private aviation services from several other charter operators.
On the ground, the campaign regularly relied on boutique chauffeur services, including New York-based Transporter Chauffeurs LLC.
Campaign staff also stayed at a number of highly rated hotels, including the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, the Hotel Vetro in Iowa City, and the Westdrift Manhattan Beach Autograph Collection in California.
Sanders Defends Use of Private Jets