Bernie Sanders and AOC Criticize Musk and Trump on 'Fight Oligarchy Tour'
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez launched a scathing critique of billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump during their ‘Fight Oligarchy Tour’ in Tempe, Arizona.
During a rally attended by over 11,000 supporters at Arizona State University, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez targeted the influence of big money in politics, with a particular focus on Elon Musk’s role in the current administration. Sanders highlighted Musk’s significant financial support for Trump’s successful presidential campaign, noting that Musk donated nearly $300 million, which Sanders argued led to Musk’s influential position in the government. “He’s essentially running the government,” Sanders stated, questioning the fairness and implications of such an arrangement.
The tour, which marks a three-day swing through key western states, also saw Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez voicing concerns over recent actions by Trump, including an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. Sanders criticized this move as an overreach of executive power, emphasizing the need for Congressional involvement in such significant decisions.
Ocasio-Cortez echoed Sanders’ sentiments about the need for a stronger Democratic strategy to counteract Republican policies, urging supporters to vote for Democrats who actively fight for the working class. The rally also touched on broader issues of political disillusionment, with Sanders pointing to low favorability ratings for both major political parties and the perceived dominance of big money interests.
Amid these discussions, the tour did not shy away from addressing internal Democratic tensions, particularly around Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s recent support for a Republican-crafted federal funding bill. While neither Sanders nor Ocasio-Cortez directly criticized Schumer during their speeches, attendees expressed disappointment with his leadership, indicating a desire for more assertive representation against figures like Musk and Trump.
The ‘Fight Oligarchy Tour’ comes at a time of heightened political activism, with recent protests targeting Tesla and Musk, though Sanders was clear to denounce any acts of violence associated with these protests, stressing the importance of peaceful demonstration.