Bernie Sanders warned climate change was an existential threat, but campaign records tell a very different story

Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime advocate for aggressive climate policy, spent more than $550,000 in campaign funds on private jet travel in 2025. Federal Election Commission filings show the Vermont senator’s campaign made the expenditures during the most recent election cycle while he continued to warn that climate change poses an existential threat.

The spending was reported by Fox News, which reviewed campaign finance disclosures documenting extensive payments to private aviation companies. The records show the flights occurred while Sanders was actively campaigning nationwide, a period that drew broader attention to campaign tactics and political messaging, including claims from Trump like Republicans will ‘never win again’ unless they take over voting.

Much of the private jet use took place during the first half of 2025, when Sanders was traveling across the country on his Fighting Oligarchy tour. He appeared alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at rallies held in multiple states over short time spans, requiring frequent air travel between stops.

Private jet travel clashes with climate messaging

Campaign filings list payments to several private jet operators, including N-Jet and Cirrus Aviation Services, but the bulk of the spending went to Ventura Jets. At least $354,000 was paid to the company, which operates a Bombardier Challenger aircraft marketed for its luxury amenities, reflecting a level of campaign spending that has drawn scrutiny amid other recent government and political controversies, such as ICE agents hit with reality check after bonus vanished.

According to the operator’s pricing information, flying that type of aircraft can cost as much as $15,000 per hour. While individual flight lengths were not disclosed in the filings, the total amount spent indicates repeated use over the course of the tour.

In April 2025, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez were seen boarding the Bombardier Challenger at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California. They later exited the plane in Sacramento the same evening, where another rally was scheduled.

Sanders has previously defended his reliance on private aircraft, arguing that the demands of a national campaign leave little alternative. He said conducting multiple rallies in a single week made private travel necessary to reach large crowds on tight schedules.

The use of private jets has drawn criticism from climate activists, particularly given Sanders’ strong public stance on reducing carbon emissions. Ocasio-Cortez has also criticized private jet use in the past, calling it excessive when used by corporate executives.

Critics argue the contrast between climate-focused messaging and luxury travel undercuts the campaign’s credibility. Conservative political consultant Matt Gorman said such spending reinforces accusations of hypocrisy among politicians who promote environmental restrictions.

This was not the first time Sanders relied heavily on private air travel, as his 2020 presidential campaign spent more than $1.9 million on private jets according to earlier disclosures.