Bernie Sanders Urges Coachella Crowds To Fight Trump Policies

On April 12, 2025, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival got a surprise guest who wasn’t there to sing or dance. Senator Bernie Sanders, the 83-year-old progressive firebrand from Vermont, took the stage, turning a music-filled night into a call for action. His appearance wasn’t just a cameo; it was a moment that got the crowd buzzing and social media lighting up.

Sanders Hits the Coachella Stage

The day started with Sanders rallying 36,000 people in Los Angeles alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for his Fighting Oligarchy tour. Hours later, he rolled into Indio, California, for Coachella’s first weekend. Introduced by Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z congressman, Sanders stepped up to the Outdoor Theatre stage, dressed in his signature navy blazer and button-down. The crowd, expecting Clairo’s indie-pop set, got a dose of politics instead.

Introducing Clairo

Sanders wasn’t there just to hype the crowd. He introduced singer-songwriter Clairo, praising her for using her platform to advocate for women’s rights and speak out against the war in Gaza. In a heartfelt moment, the two shared a warm embrace, with Clairo later calling it Berniechella on social media. Sanders used the spotlight to connect with her fans, a younger crowd he’s long resonated with, urging them to stay engaged in tough times.

A Fiery Anti-Trump Message

In a three-minute speech, Sanders didn’t hold back. He called out President Donald Trump’s policies, warning the audience about climate change denial, attacks on women’s rights, and a for-profit healthcare system. Your presence here today is making Donald Trump and Elon Musk very nervous, he told the roaring crowd. When Trump’s name came up, boos echoed through the desert, with Sanders quipping, I agree. His message was clear: the future of America depends on young people standing up for justice.

Coachella’s crowd, known for its diverse mix of music fans, influencers, and festival-goers, had varied responses. Some cheered Sanders’ passion, with posts on X calling him a legend for bringing politics to the desert. Others, eager for music, weren’t thrilled. One X user, JB IGOR, vented, How dare Coachella let this happen, no one is there to listen about politics. Critics online also pointed out the irony of Sanders railing against billionaires at a festival where tickets start at $600, but his supporters argued the message hit home with young voters.

Sanders’ Coachella stop wasn’t just a stunt; it was a strategic move to reach a generation that could shape the future. His Fighting Oligarchy tour is about rallying progressives against corporate power and Trump’s agenda, and Coachella’s massive platform amplified that. By tying his message to Clairo’s activism, Sanders bridged music and politics, making the festival a stage for more than just beats. Whether you loved or loathed his appearance, one thing’s certain: Bernie Sanders made Coachella 2025 unforgettable.