While decrying the grip of oligarchs and corporate greed, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's campaign quietly racked up thousands in bills at boutique hotels during her joint tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders. It's the kind of irony that makes you wonder if the fight against excess starts at home—or at least in a more modest lobby.
Fox News reported that Federal Election Commission filings reveal that Ocasio-Cortez's campaign expended significant sums on high-end West Coast hotels, aligning with her appearances at rallies alongside Sanders that drew massive crowds to challenge the billionaire class.
The tour, dubbed "Fighting Oligarchy," kicked off earlier this year and spanned 34 rallies across 20 states, attracting over 300,000 attendees according to Sanders.
These events generated substantial attention, highlighting criticisms of wealth concentration and corporate influence.
Fox News Digital previously noted that Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez opted for private flights to reach their West Coast stops, even as they lambasted the elite's extravagance. Such choices raise eyebrows about consistency in a movement built on calling out privilege.
In March, the campaign disbursed $3,508.92 to the Vdara Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas, per the filings. This payment followed closely after a rally in the city on March 20, where Ocasio-Cortez joined Sanders to energize supporters.
Around the time of an April rally in Tucson, Arizona, the campaign settled a $3,165.76 bill with The Leo Kent Hotel, a stylish high-rise property. The transaction appeared in an April 25 filing, underscoring the tour's premium travel preferences.
Earlier in April, Ocasio-Cortez rallied with Sanders in Salt Lake City, Utah. Soon after, her campaign covered a $3,445.59 charge at the opulent Asher Adams Hotel there, as documented in the records.
Campaign finance reports further show expenditures this year at other upscale spots, including CitizenM in California and Hotel Vermont. These outlays reflect a pattern of selecting refined accommodations amid the anti-elite messaging.
Additional payments went to Hotel Renegade in Idaho and Lansdowne Resort and Spa in Virginia, according to the disclosures. While the rallies aimed to mobilize against oligarchic power, these hotel choices subtly contrast with the tour's populist ethos.
On April 12, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez addressed an enthusiastic audience at a "Fighting Oligarchy" event in Los Angeles, where cheers echoed their shared vision.
Sanders exclaimed, "THIS IS OUR GUY!" during one such gathering, rallying the base with fervent endorsement. Yet, the luxury backdrop invites polite questions about whether the movement's leaders fully embody the frugality they advocate.
Ocasio-Cortez spoke at a New York City rally on May 1, continuing the tour's momentum in her home state. The events consistently drew large turnouts, amplifying their critique of economic inequality.
The Washington Examiner first highlighted these hotel expenditures, bringing attention to the campaign's financial decisions. Fox News Digital sought comment from Ocasio-Cortez's team but received no immediate response, leaving the rationale unspoken.
As a prominent voice in progressive circles, Ocasio-Cortez is viewed as a possible contender for the 2028 presidential race. Her alliance with Sanders on this tour underscores their influence in shaping debates on wealth and power.
Conservatives might see a thoughtful reminder here: ideals are admirable, but actions speak volumes in the public eye. The "Fighting Oligarchy" campaign powerfully mobilized Americans against entrenched interests, yet the associated luxuries prompt a gentle nudge toward greater alignment.
