AOC and Bernie Sanders criticize Trump and Elon Musk at biggest anti-oligarchy protest so far

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez captivated a vast crowd of 36,000 protestors in Los Angeles, marking their most prominent rally amid the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. Sanders criticized President Trump’s recent “tariff shuffle,” portraying it as a maneuver to benefit his billionaire associates at the expense of market stability. Responding to Elon Musk’s claims that rally participants were paid organizers, Sanders challenged the audience, asking if anyone was compensated for attending, to which a resounding “No” echoed in response.

Sanders went on to contest Trump’s crowd sizes and policies, urging the president to justify cutting essential services while granting tax breaks to the wealthy. Musk’s acknowledgment of Sanders’ warnings about the rise of oligarchy led Sanders to emphasize that contemporary society is entrenched in oligarchy, not merely transitioning towards it. He condemned the greed-driven ethos of the oligarchs, critiquing their selfish pursuit of wealth without regard for social responsibility.

Ocasio-Cortez expressed her concerns over the terrifying situations unfolding around the nation, emphasizing the injustice faced by those exercising their First Amendment rights. She condemned the White House’s tariff actions as market manipulation, noting the detrimental impact on average citizens. Accusing Trump of criminal activity and enriching his affluent associates, she underscored the choice between oligarchy or democracy, insisting that both cannot coexist.

Sanders concluded his address by asserting that the unity and power of the gathered crowd instilled fear in the elite 1%, highlighting their shared identity as the 99%. The rally also featured Democratic representatives Ro Khanna, Jimmy Gomez, Pramila Jayapal, and Maxwell Frost, along with musical performances by artists like Neil Young, Maggie Rogers, and Joan Baez. The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour is set to traverse various locations in the western states, underscoring the push against entrenched wealth and power dynamics.

Amid a volatile socio-political landscape, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez’s rallying cries against greed and manipulation resonated with the impassioned audience. Their condemnation of Trump’s actions and the overarching financial structures that perpetuate inequality struck a chord with the multitude of protestors, emboldening their commitment to addressing oligarchy and advocating for a fairer, more equitable society.