Bernie Sanders Draws Record Crowds in Los Angeles as Opposition to Trump Intensifies
In a striking display of grassroots energy, Senator Bernie Sanders drew over 36,000 people to downtown Los Angeles on Saturday for a rally that became one of the largest political gatherings in the city’s history. The event, part of Sanders’s “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go from Here” tour, epitomized the growing frustration among progressives and Democrats at the policies and political climate under President Donald Trump’s second administration.
The rally featured a star-studded lineup of musical performances by Joan Baez, Neil Young, indie bands like The Red Pears, and the Raise gospel choir, creating a festive yet defiant atmosphere. As Neil Young introduced Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) to a roar of applause, the day’s message became clear: the fight against wealth-driven corruption and for democratic norms is intensifying.
Ocasio-Cortez, speaking from the stage at Gloria Molina Grand Park — a venue named after a trailblazing Latina in LA politics — lambasted Trump’s "corrupt and disastrous tariff scheme," suggesting it was designed to benefit corporate allies at the expense of ordinary Americans. "Donald Trump is a criminal," she proclaimed. “He is making himself, the billionaires who back him, and the members of Congress who trade with him rich — not you, not me, not the American people.” Her scathing critique sparked thunderous approval from the audience, many of whom later voiced their disillusionment with both Trump’s agenda and mainstream Democratic responses to his administration.
On stage, Sanders himself decried what he termed the Republican Party’s “cult of the individual,” accusing its leaders of prioritizing Trump’s whims and offering billion-dollar tax breaks while threatening vital social programs like Social Security and Medicare. “We are living in a moment where the Republican Party to a large degree has become a cult of the individual, obeying Trump’s every wish,” Sanders said. His criticism extended to the growing influence of figures such as Elon Musk, whom he accused of seeking to dismantle government protections that many Americans rely upon.
For many in the crowd, the rally was personal. Cindy Villanuevo, a mother from Buena Park battling multiple sclerosis, said, “I’m here because I’m disgusted about what Trump is doing to science. It’s a disgrace. When you cut funding, there’s no hope for any of us.” Her sister, Rose Matthews, worried about the future of veterans’ benefits — concerns echoed by others anxious about possible cuts to public programs. Attendees like Ali Wolff and Myylo Lewis rode packed city buses just to be among like-minded supporters, expressing both relief and collective resolve.
Political observers note that, with stops in both liberal strongholds and Republican districts, Sanders’s tour aims to unite the progressive base while appealing directly to those swayed by Trump but now experiencing “buyer’s regret.” The presence of AOC and other progressive leaders such as Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna signaled both solidarity and a generational hand-off, raising questions about the future direction of the progressive movement.
As Sanders’s tour continues through the West, including planned stops in Utah, Idaho, and Montana, the rally in Los Angeles stands as a testament to mounting public engagement and unrest. Whether this surge will translate into political momentum remains to be seen — but for now, the message from LA is one of urgent resistance and collective action.
Does this growing wave of activism spell a turning point in national politics, or is it simply the latest chapter in America’s long-running battles over wealth and democracy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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