In Tempe, Arizona, Senator Bernie Sanders has positioned himself as a prominent critic of President Trump’s swift dismantling of the federal government and has expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s reaction. His economic populism, which critiques the growing influence of billionaires and corporations in politics, has gained renewed attention due to Trump’s second term and Elon Musk’s significant role in urging federal budget cuts and workforce reductions within government agencies.
Sanders noted that the concept of oligarchy, which he has addressed for years, has become more tangible as many now recognize the government is increasingly dominated by billionaires. Despite these concerns, Sanders criticized the Democratic Party for neglecting the working class and suggested that by promoting policies focused on income inequality, healthcare, and climate change, the party could regain support.
Launching his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, Sanders, along with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, addressed audiences in Las Vegas and Tempe, warning of the dangers Trump and his allies pose to democracy. Sanders vowed that neither Trump nor other billionaires like Musk would be allowed to undermine social programs such as Social Security and Medicaid.
In Denver, Colorado, Sanders addressed a crowd of over 30,000, surpassing attendance records from his previous presidential campaigns. During the initial months of Trump’s presidency, his administration, driven by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, has faced chaos and confusion due to extensive contract terminations, workforce layoffs, and attempts to eliminate various agencies and departments.
While Democrats lack control over Congress and the White House, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the voters’ potential to combat Trump’s policies, highlighting a perceived divide driven by the immense wealth of a few. She argued that despite being divisive, these policies have the potential to unite people in opposition.
Recent polls reflect a decline in Trump’s popularity, but the Democratic Party also faces criticism for its lack of effective opposition. Dissatisfied with the party’s current leadership, some supporters call for stronger stands against Trump’s agenda. At the Arizona rally, volunteers urged Democratic leaders to actively organize and communicate their plans to counter the unpopular changes enacted by Trump.
Following losses in the November elections, Democrats appointed new leadership but continue to struggle with a unified message against Trump’s administration. Some Democrats have expressed dissatisfaction with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s cooperation efforts with Republicans.
As Sanders draws larger audiences and calls for transformation within the Democratic Party’s strategy grow, questions persist about why more Democrats do not adopt his approach. However, Sanders, who is not a Democrat but caucuses with them, is widely regarded as a leading progressive voice. Although other Democrats may not fully embrace Sanders’ rhetoric, there is a rising backlash against Musk and associated policies, prompting some to adopt a similar approach in challenging Republican leadership.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, for example, has spoke out against Trump’s and Musk’s policies and urged voter participation in crucial elections while acknowledging the need for the Democratic Party to regain trust on key issues like healthcare. Sanders believes his message resonates across political ideologies, asserting that many Americans, regardless of party affiliation, oppose policies favoring the wealthiest at the expense of social programs.
