AOC Flies First-Class for Bernie Sanders ‘Fight Oligarchy’ Rally [WATCH]

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing criticism after being photographed flying first-class to attend a “Fighting Oligarchy” rally organized by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) last month.

As reported by The New York Post, the photo was taken by a passenger aboard JetBlue Flight 511 on March 19, which departed from JFK Airport in Queens en route to Las Vegas.

The image shows Ocasio-Cortez seated in the front section of the aircraft, leaning forward as she interacted with something in front of her. A man was seated next to her in the first-class cabin.

AOC flies first-class to Bernie Sanders’ ‘Fight Oligarchy’ rally pic.twitter.com/DGlHSgf1ZQ

— Scrotie McBoogerballs (@KirkLaz2) April 7, 2025

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“She didn’t respond to people trying to say hello,” said the passenger who identified herself as Tracey, a Brooklyn resident.

“Nothing says, ‘Power to the people’ like ignoring voters looking to say hello and reclining in first class while tweeting about income inequality. AOC is fighting the system one first-class mimosa at a time.”

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The following day, Ocasio-Cortez joined Sanders for rallies in North Las Vegas and at Arizona State University in Tempe, where they promoted the message of fighting oligarchy and supporting working-class Americans.

The congresswoman used the platform to advocate for stronger leadership within her own party.

“We as a community must choose and vote for Democrats and elected officials who know how to stand for the working class,” she said at the rally. “We’re gonna throw these bums out and fight for the nation we deserve. This isn’t just about Republicans. We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us, too.”

AOC: We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us too.

We as a community must choose and vote for Democrats and elected officials who know how to stand with working people. pic.twitter.com/VJ6BYWBb63

— Winter☠️ (@GothicPolitics) March 20, 2025

Some New York officials reacted to her travel accommodations with skepticism.

“Socialists are hypocrites. I’m surprised she didn’t take a private jet like most of her comrades,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn).

State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar also weighed in. “It’s absolutely rich in hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is the operative word,” Kassar said. “She’s out of touch with her principles.”

Ocasio-Cortez represents New York’s 14th Congressional District, covering parts of the Bronx and Queens. Her campaign and district office did not respond to requests for comment on the flight or the criticism that followed.

The rallies occurred in the wake of a political shake-up driven by President Donald Trump’s administration, including a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, now headed by Elon Musk.

These moves have intensified debate among Democrats, with some progressives encouraging Ocasio-Cortez to mount a 2028 primary challenge against Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.

Ocasio-Cortez previously labeled Schumer’s support of a GOP-backed funding bill a “betrayal,” further fueling speculation about a potential future Senate run.

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