Los Angeles, CA – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Sen. Bernie Sanders are electrifying progressive voters on their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, drawing massive crowds and sharpening their critique of President Donald Trump. Recent rallies in Los Angeles (36,000 attendees), Denver (34,000), and near Sacramento (30,000) have amassed over 200,000 supporters, signaling a hunger for bold opposition to Trump’s policies. While no direct quote confirms AOC declaring that “we’ve lost faith in Trump and that she and Sanders are the future,” their rhetoric positions them as leaders of a reinvigorated Democratic vision.
At these events, AOC has branded Trump a “criminal” pushing a “fascist agenda,” earning standing ovations for her calls to resist his administration’s billionaire-backed policies. Sanders, meanwhile, has accused Trump of steering the U.S. toward oligarchy, targeting figures like Elon Musk for their outsized influence. Their message—tackling wealth inequality, corporate greed, and GOP-backed legislation—resonates with Democrats reeling from 2024’s electoral losses. AOC’s fundraising prowess, pulling in $9.6 million in Q1 2025, and her hints at challenging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer underscore her rising star.
The tour’s success has sparked speculation about the duo’s ambitions. Some on X suggest AOC and Sanders aim to reshape the Democratic National Committee or lead the party into 2028, with one user noting AOC’s push for “anti-tech, pro-worker” policies. Others see Sanders, at 83, passing the progressive torch to AOC, who at 35 is eyeing a larger role—potentially a presidential run. However, the specific claim that AOC declared herself and Sanders “the future” appears to be an unverified distillation of their broader rhetoric, not a direct quote.
Critics argue AOC and Sanders risk alienating moderates by doubling down on progressive ideals, especially after Democrats’ recent struggles. Supporters, though, view their unapologetic stance as a necessary rebuke to leaders like Schumer, who backed a GOP funding bill, frustrating the base. On X, reactions range from cheers for AOC’s fiery defiance to skepticism about her electability, with one user quipping, “Great rallies, but can she win swing states?”
As Trump’s policies dominate headlines, AOC and Sanders are galvanizing a movement to redefine the Democratic Party. Whether their vision becomes the party’s future remains uncertain, but their ability to pack arenas suggests progressives are listening—and ready to fight.
