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• Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are embarking on a nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour to counter President Trump’s policies.
• The tour includes stops in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Wisconsin, targeting swing districts and areas affected by President Trump’s policies.
• Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez aim to mobilize the anti-Trump movement and advocate for policies benefiting the working class.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Bernie Sanders, the independent Vermont senator and a prominent figure in the progressive movement, is leading a “Fighting Oligarchy” tour alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This tour is a response to the policies of President Trump, who is currently in his second term. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are rallying against what they see as oligarchic and authoritarian tendencies in President Trump’s administration.

Core Players

• Bernie Sanders – Independent Vermont Senator and former Democratic presidential candidate
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – U.S. Representative from New York and prominent progressive leader
• President Trump – President of the United States, currently in his second term
• Elon Musk – Billionaire and ally of the Trump administration, often criticized by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez

Key Numbers

• 4,000 – Attendance at Sanders’ rally in Kenosha, Wisconsin
• 9,000 – Attendance at Sanders’ rally in suburban Detroit
• 83 – Bernie Sanders’ age, still actively leading the progressive movement
• March 21, 2025 – Date of the rally in Denver’s Civic Center Park

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour was prompted by the widespread dissatisfaction among Democrats and progressives with President Trump’s policies. Sanders noted, “I believe that all over this country, people are profoundly disgusted with what is going on here in Washington D.C.”[1]

This tour is part of a broader effort to mobilize the anti-Trump movement and to push back against what Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez see as attacks on the working class.

Inside Forces

Sanders, who is not running for president again, has emerged as a key leader in the resistance against President Trump’s policies. Despite his age, he continues to draw large crowds and energize the progressive base. The tour includes strategic stops in swing districts represented by Republicans, aiming to influence local politics and build a stronger progressive presence[3).

Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent progressive voice, has joined Sanders on several stops, including events in Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada. Her presence adds significant weight to the tour, given her influence within the Democratic Party[5).

Power Dynamics

The relationship between Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, and the Trump administration is highly adversarial. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have been vocal critics of President Trump’s policies, particularly his associations with billionaires like Elon Musk. President Trump, in turn, has faced intense opposition from progressive Democrats, who see his administration as a threat to social and economic justice[1).

The tour also highlights internal divisions within the Democratic Party, as some Democrats have been criticized for not being aggressive enough in their opposition to President Trump’s policies. Sanders’ leadership in this tour positions him as a key figure in the anti-Trump resistance within the party[3).

Outside Impact

The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour has broader implications for national politics. It reflects a growing movement among progressives to challenge the status quo and push for more radical changes in policy. The tour’s focus on issues like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security cuts, as well as tax breaks for billionaires, resonates with a wide audience concerned about economic inequality[5).

The tour also underscores the ongoing struggle between progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic Party, with Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez representing the more progressive wing.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, the success of the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour could set the stage for future progressive mobilization. Sanders has called for continued rallies and organizing efforts across all 50 states, emphasizing the need for progressives to run for office at all levels. This long-term strategy aims to build a sustainable progressive movement that can influence policy beyond the current administration[5).

The tour’s impact will also be measured by its ability to influence the 2026 and 2028 elections, as well as its role in shaping the Democratic Party’s platform and priorities.

Data Points

• March 20, 2025 – Event at East Las Vegas Community Center
• March 21, 2025 – Rally at Denver’s Civic Center Park
• March 22, 2025 – Event at Catalina High School in Tucson, Arizona
• 4th Senate term – Sanders’ current term in the Senate
• 10 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus – Involved in advancing a stopgap measure criticized by progressives