In a recent discussion on Fox & Friends, the co-hosts delved into an interview between Special Report anchor Bret Baier and Senator Bernie Sanders, focusing on the senator’s recent activities and controversies. As Sanders tours the United States on his “Fighting Oligarchy” campaign, he has faced criticism for using private jets, which has raised questions about the environmental impact of his travel.
An energy watchdog group, Power the Future, calculated the carbon emissions from Sanders’ use of private jets during his tour. According to their estimates, Sanders’ flights emitted a total of 62.15 metric tons of carbon dioxide. To put this into perspective, Power the Future equated these emissions to burning 62,600 pounds of coal, driving a gas-powered SUV for 150,000 miles, or powering every home in Sanders' hometown of Burlington, Vermont, for several weeks. Additionally, the emissions produced by Sanders’ travel reportedly surpassed the average American’s carbon footprint over five years and negated the carbon-capturing efforts of nearly 2,900 trees annually.
Dan Turner, the founder and executive director of Power the Future, criticized Sanders for what he perceives as hypocrisy. Turner pointed out that Sanders has supported legislation aimed at reducing carbon footprints and penalizing fossil fuel executives, yet his personal travel choices seem contradictory to his public stance on climate change. Turner accused Sanders of being a “limousine liberal” and argued that the senator’s actions undermine the climate movement.
In response to these criticisms, Sanders defended his use of private jets in an interview with Fox News. He argued that private jets are often the only feasible option for campaign travel, especially when multiple rallies are scheduled within a short timeframe. Sanders stated, “You run a campaign, and you do three or four or five rallies in a week. [It is] the only way you can get around to talk to 30,000 people. You think I'm gonna be sitting on a waiting line at United…while 30,000 people are waiting?”
Federal Election Commission filings reviewed by Fox News Digital revealed that Sanders’ campaign committee, Friends of Bernie Sanders, spent over $221,000 chartering private jets during the first quarter of 2025. The filings indicate that this amount was distributed among three private jet companies: Ventura Jets, Cirrus Aviation Services, and N-Jet. Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who joined him on the tour, were reportedly seen using a private jet that costs up to $15,000 per hour during several West Coast stops.
This use of private jets has sparked criticism from various quarters. Ben Petersen, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, remarked on the perceived inconsistency between Sanders’ actions and his public advocacy. He labeled Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez as “champagne socialists” and criticized them for demanding sacrifices from Americans while enjoying the luxury of private jets.
Despite the backlash, Sanders remains unapologetic about his travel choices, emphasizing the logistical challenges of campaigning. He insists that using private jets is sometimes necessary to maintain a rigorous campaign schedule and reach a large audience. As Sanders continues his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, the debate over his travel methods and their environmental impact is likely to persist, highlighting the complex interplay between political advocacy and personal practices.
The issue of carbon emissions from political campaigns underscores the broader conversation about climate change and environmental responsibility. Sanders’ situation illustrates the challenges faced by public figures who advocate for environmental sustainability while navigating the demands of modern political campaigns. As the discourse around climate change evolves, the actions of influential leaders like Sanders will continue to be scrutinized, prompting ongoing discussions about accountability and the practicalities of implementing sustainable practices in all areas of life.