...
By Megan Cartwright
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Senator Bernie Sanders' appearance at the Coachella music festival has divided opinions on social media.
Why It Matters
The Vermont independent and Democratic New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been speaking out against Republican President Donald Trump's administration on their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. The politicians have seen thousands of people turning out in support at their rallies across several states—with a record crowd in Los Angeles.
Read More on Entertainment
What To Know
On Saturday, Sanders was introduced by Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost at Coachella before bringing singer-songwriter Clairo onstage.
"Look, I'm not going to be long, but this is what I want to say. This country faces some very difficult challenges. And the future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation. Now you can turn away, and you can ignore what goes on, but if you do that, you do it at your own peril. We need you to stand up to fight for justice," Sanders said, as concertgoers cheered.
When he began his remark about Trump, specifically, the crowd booed.
"I agree," Sanders responded.
"He [Trump] thinks that climate change is a hoax. He is dangerously wrong. And you and I are gonna have to stand up to the fossil fuel industry and tell them to stop destroying this planet," he continued.
...
Sanders added that "politicians are trying to take away a woman's right to control her own body," and that "we have an economy today that is working very well for the billionaire class, but not for working families."
The 83-year-old concluded his speech by saying the healthcare system is "broken" and praised Clairo for advocating to "end the terrible, brutal war in Gaza."
What People Are Saying
On X, formerly Twitter, people were quick to share their thoughts on Sanders' address. While many applauded his message, others criticized him.
"Wow: Bernie Sanders took the Coachella stage tonight to admonish Trump and [Elon] Musk. Now this is how it's done," Matt McDermott—whose bio states he's a "Democratic Pollster & Strategist"—wrote in a comment with over 61,400 views and 4,400 likes.
"Bernie Sanders, my fav Coachella headliner," gatertotz said in a post with 42,700 views and 2,900 likes.
"Bernie Sanders bringing up Gaza and encouraging people to support them during Coachella is insane!! Especially considering the censorship they had last year… ik that's MY president," saikhic added in a message with over 30,600 likes and 800 comments.
"Bernie Sanders making a surprise appearance at Coachella to sermonize on the evils of wealth in front of a crowd of people who paid at least $600 a ticket to be there is peak 21st century Democratic Party," ingelramdecoucy wrote in a reply with 237,600 views and 11,000 likes.
"So let me get this straight. Bernie Sanders went to Coachella, an event where tickets range from $700-$1,300, and an order of nachos goes for more than $100, to lecture about oligarchy. Is that right?" joma_gc asked in a comment with 246,000 views and 16,000 likes.
"Do you know the avg ticket price to attend this event, bro?" conservative activist Ryan Fournier said in a remark with 28,500 views and over 280 likes.
Newsweek has reached out to Sanders' representatives via email for comment.
This isn't the first time Sanders has appeared at Coachella. Back in 2016, the Brooklyn native introduced hip-hop duo Run the Jewels via video at the event.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines