Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Launch "Fighting Oligarchy" Tour, Targeting Trump, Musk, and Democratic Party
TEMPE, Ariz. — Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent voice for progressive ideals, has amplified his criticism of President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and other influential billionaires. In a strategic move, Sanders is also setting his sights on the Democratic Party, underscoring a perceived lack of faith in both major political organizations among the American populace.
"I think what the American people see and what the polling suggests, and voter registration suggests is not a whole lot of faith in either party, Democrats or Republicans," Sanders asserted during an interview. His remarks, delivered to Fox News Digital, came ahead of a rally at Arizona State University, where Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) ignited a crowd of over 11,000 attendees. An additional two thousand supporters gathered in an overflow area, eager to hear the progressive duo’s message.
The Arizona event marked the second stop on the "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, a three-day campaign swing through key Western states, including Nevada and Colorado. Sanders, known for his longstanding opposition to the influence of big money in politics, reiterated his call for campaign finance reform. He argued that Americans are rightfully concerned that both the Democratic and Republican parties are heavily influenced by wealthy interests.
Sanders specifically targeted Elon Musk, identifying him as the largest individual donor in last year’s presidential election. According to Sanders, Musk contributed nearly $300 million to support Trump’s successful bid to reclaim the White House. "Then he’s awarded with the most important position in government. He’s essentially running the government," Sanders declared, referring to Musk’s role in the administration. "Does that make sense to people? It doesn’t."
However, Sanders was quick to point out that the Democratic Party is not immune to the influence of wealthy donors. "Democrats also have a whole lot of billionaires funding their campaigns," he said. "And you know, I think people are looking for alternatives. And I think, among other things, they also want to end this corrupt campaign finance system… which allows billionaires in both parties to buy elections."
Trump’s recent actions as president have also drawn criticism from Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. Since returning to the White House two months ago, Trump has been actively expanding presidential powers and reshaping government policy through executive orders and actions. Sanders condemned Trump’s move to dismantle the Department of Education, labeling it as "outrageous" and an overreach of executive authority.
"First of all, they don’t have the power," Sanders insisted. "When I talk about moving to authoritarianism, it is usurping the power of the Congress. If you want to get rid of the Department of Education, fine. Come to Congress and say, here’s why. This is what you want to do. You cannot do it exclusively. You cannot cut funds exclusively."
Sanders reiterated his belief that the "American people are sick and tired of a government now run by billionaires." Highlighting Musk’s role as the head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to combat government fraud and waste by reducing the federal workforce, Sanders warned of the potential consequences. "We have the richest guy in the world going around, cutting the Veterans Administration, threatening the existence of Social Security while Republicans work on a tax bill that will give a trillion dollars in tax breaks to the richest 1% and cut Medicaid and other programs."
Sanders delivered a direct message to Trump, declaring, "We will not allow you to move this country into an oligarchy. We’re not going to allow you and your friend Mr. Musk and the other billionaires to wreak havoc on this country."
However, the Democratic Party’s inability to effectively counter the Republican agenda in the White House, House, and Senate is generating internal tensions and calls for a more robust resistance strategy. Ocasio-Cortez echoed these sentiments, urging the party to take a more assertive stance. "This isn’t just about Republicans," Ocasio-Cortez told the crowd in Arizona. "We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us. That means each and every one of us choosing and voting for Democrats and elected officials who know how to stand for the working class… I want you to look at every level of office around and support Democrats who fight, because those are the ones who can actually win against Republicans."
The "Fighting Oligarchy" tour comes amidst growing criticism of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for supporting a Republican-crafted federal funding bill. Some within the Democratic Party view Schumer’s actions as a sign of weakness and a failure to adequately represent the interests of the American people.
When asked about calls for Schumer to step down from his leadership position, Sanders declined to comment directly. "That’s kind of inside the Beltway stuff," Sanders said, adding, "That’s not what we’re here for." However, the issue was clearly on the minds of some rally attendees, with several expressing disappointment with Schumer’s recent actions.
Cindy Garman and Pat Robinson of Prescott, Arizona, expressed their disappointment in Schumer’s move. Amanda Ratloff of Gilbert, Arizona, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Schumer is not the leader we need right now. We need somebody that will actually fight back and fight for the American people and not just give in to Elon Musk and Donald Trump."
Sanders also addressed the recent acts of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and charging stations. While acknowledging the right to protest Musk and Tesla, Sanders condemned the violence. "People have a right to protest Musk. They have a right to protest, you know, in front of Tesla," he said. "But nobody has the right to engage in any form of violence, period."
