Ocasio-Cortez's Luxury Campaign Tour: Contradictions and Controversies
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her criticism of wealthy elites, stayed at upscale hotels during her "Fighting Oligarchy" tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders. Campaign spending records show that she spent thousands of dollars on luxurious accommodations, contradicting her anti-wealth rhetoric. In Las Vegas, she stayed at the Vdara Hotel & Spa, a high-end property on the strip. Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders criticized billionaires and oligarchs during their tour, highlighting income inequality and the need for affordable housing.
Following the Las Vegas stop, Ocasio-Cortez traveled to Salt Lake City, where her campaign spent over $3,400 on a stay at the Asher Adams hotel. The hotel, converted from a historic railroad station, offers expensive dining options and a bar with scenic views. The congresswoman and Sanders continued their message of supporting working-class Americans at rallies in Salt Lake City and Nampa, Idaho, calling for a federal living wage and addressing rising rent costs.
During the tour, Ocasio-Cortez also stayed at the Hotel Renegade in Boise, Idaho, where her campaign spent over $1,500. The boutique hotel, with a four-diamond rating, provided accommodations for the duo's event in Nampa. Sanders, known for his climate activism, faced criticism for his use of private jets during the tour, defending the necessity of timely travel to reach multiple rallies.
Despite the backlash, Sanders continued to use private jets for campaign travel, with additional expenses totaling over $229,000. Ocasio-Cortez, on the other hand, has raised a significant amount of campaign funds, leading to speculation about her potential future political ambitions. With a record-breaking $15.4 million in contributions, she has surpassed her congressional peers in fundraising, fueling rumors of a potential Senate run or even a White House bid in 2028.