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Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders defended his use of private jets on Fox News Wednesday and dismissed criticisms as out-of-touch as he refused to apologize for what he said is a necessary tool of modern campaigning.

Sanders’ campaign reportedly spent $221,723 on private jets in early 2025, with the first payment made just before his anti-oligarchy tour began, according to Free Beacon. During an appearance on “Special Report with Bret Baier,” Sanders justified his campaign travel and said there are logistical demands when trying to reach tens of thousands of voters across the country in short windows of time.

“When’s the last time you saw Donald Trump during a campaign mode at National Airport? You run a campaign, and you do three or four or five rallies in a week. The only way you can get around to talk to 30,000 people. think I’m going to be sitting in a waiting line at United, waiting, you know, what, 30,000 people are waiting?” Sanders asked Baier.

Sanders doubled down on this decision and refused to apologize.

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“That’s the only way you can get around. No apologies for that. That’s what campaign travel is about. We’ve done it in the past. We’re going to do it in the future,” Sanders added.

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Turning the focus back to his core message, Sanders said voters still care deeply about his cause.

“I think at a time when the people on top are doing phenomenally well, when seniors, working class people are struggling, people want to hear action to stand up to the people who have the wealth and the power and create an economy that works for all of US, not just the people on top,” Sanders said.

Sanders said Democrats must prioritize working-class concerns, but he spends thousands on campaign luxuries like private jets. Despite calling for a populist agenda, Sanders admits his party has long failed to deliver for the working class.

Sanders is touring the country to address crowds about limiting the control of wealthy elites and powerful corporations in the U.S. The Democratic National Committee, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the Association of State Democratic Committees launched a nationwide effort called “People’s Town Halls,” aiming to host events in all 50 states, including Republican-held districts, that started in March.

(Featured Image Media Credit: Screenshot/Fox News)

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