Instant Insight
30-Second Take
- Bernie Sanders warned of “extraordinary danger” facing the U.S. under President Trump at a rally in Los Angeles.
- The rally, part of Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, drew 36,000 people, his largest ever.
- Sanders criticized President Trump’s administration for moving the country toward an authoritarian and oligarchic society.
+ Dive Deeper
Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
At a rally in downtown Los Angeles, Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent senator, alerted a crowd of tens of thousands to the “extraordinary danger” the U.S. faces under President Trump. Sanders emphasized that the country is rapidly moving toward an authoritarian and oligarchic form of society, controlled by the billionaire class.
Core Players
- Bernie Sanders – Vermont independent senator and former Democratic presidential candidate.
- Donald Trump – President Trump.
- Elon Musk – Billionaire and CEO of multiple companies, including Tesla and SpaceX.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – U.S. Representative from New York and key progressive figure.
Key Numbers
- 36,000 – Number of people attending Sanders’ Los Angeles rally, his largest ever.
- 60% – Percentage of Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck, according to Sanders.
- $277 million – Amount Elon Musk contributed to get President Trump elected, as mentioned by Sanders.
- 83,000 – Number of employees laid off at the Veterans Administration under President Trump’s and Musk’s policies.
+ Full Analysis
Full Depth
Complete Coverage
The Catalyst
Sanders’ warning comes at a time when the Democratic Party’s popularity is at an all-time low, with a CNN poll in early March showing only 29% approval. This dip is largely driven by frustrated Democrats who feel the party has not delivered on its promises.
“In too many instances, the Democrats come across as the party of the status quo,” Sanders said. “They’re not prepared to take on the corporate system and the oligarchy which is causing so much pain in this country.”
Inside Forces
Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour has been targeting areas represented by Republican members of Congress that Democrats hope to oust in the 2026 election. The tour, which began in Omaha in late February, has also made stops in Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.
Sanders is hiring organizers in some of these districts to build grassroots support and mobilize voters against what he sees as an oligarchic takeover of the U.S. government.
Power Dynamics
Sanders criticized the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk, who has significant control over the federal workforce and has been dismantling federal agencies. “These guys, led by Musk – and as a result of this disastrous Citizens United Supreme Court decision – have now allowed billionaires essentially to own our political process,” Sanders said.
He also highlighted President Trump’s disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law, noting that President Trump’s actions are a “massive attack on the First Amendment and freedom of expression.”
Outside Impact
The rally and Sanders’ tour have broader implications for the political landscape. The events have inspired other Democrats, such as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and California Reps. Ro Khanna and Robert Garcia, to hold their own rallies in red districts.
The movement also resonates with younger audiences, as evidenced by Sanders’ surprise appearance at Coachella, where he urged the crowd to stand up for environmental rights, women’s rights, and peace in Gaza.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, Sanders’ efforts are likely to continue shaping the Democratic Party’s strategy and messaging. His emphasis on taking on the billionaire class and corporate interests could influence the party’s platform for the 2026 elections.
Sanders’ rallies have also shown that there is significant public concern about the direction of the country under President Trump, which could mobilize voters in upcoming elections.
Data Points
- Late February 2025: Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour begins in Omaha.
- April 12, 2025: Sanders holds a rally in downtown Los Angeles, drawing 36,000 people.
- April 13, 2025: Sanders makes a surprise appearance at Coachella.
- 2026: Upcoming elections where Democrats hope to oust Republican members of Congress.
The ongoing battle between progressive forces and the current administration underscores a deepening divide in American politics. As Sanders continues his tour and rallies support, the future of U.S. governance and the role of the billionaire class remain critical issues that will shape the country’s trajectory.
