AOC and Sanders Ignite Tucson with Anti-Trump ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Rally

On Saturday, thousands of Tucson residents gathered at Catalina High School to hear from progressive leaders like U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as part of the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The event drew approximately 9,000 attendees, well beyond the initial projection of 3,000, with some participants queuing for hours to secure their spots.

The tour aims to rally support against the administration of President Donald Trump, particularly in the wake of a contentious spending bill that has sparked criticism from Democratic lawmakers. The cuts threaten essential government programs, raising concerns among citizens. Ocasio-Cortez criticized congressional Republicans who supported these measures despite the turbulent economic climate that has left many federal workers in limbo.

Before Ocasio-Cortez took the stage, several local figures addressed the crowd, including U.S. Representative Greg Casar and Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva. The alternative band Calexico, originally from Tucson, performed before the political speeches began.

Ocasio-Cortez opened her remarks by honoring the late U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva, reflecting on their initial experiences in Congress. She emphasized the importance of unity, urging attendees to continue electing representatives who prioritize the public good. “In this moment of grief, I hope we all carry on together,” she stated.

Highlighting the growing solidarity among the public, Ocasio-Cortez noted that divisive figures like Trump and Elon Musk unintentionally unify people against them. She challenged Republican legislators by reaffirming that Arizona demonstrated strength by resisting harmful proposals from the Trump administration.

Rep. Casar echoed her sentiments, asserting that grassroots power intimidates the political elite. “Donald Trump wants you to feel powerless. The billionaires want you to feel powerless,” he declared. He criticized Republican leaders for avoiding direct engagement with their constituents, emphasizing action against cynicism.

The Tucson rally is one of several stops on the tour, which included rallies in Denver and Tempe earlier in the week. Sanders’ presence attracted significant crowds, with previous events exceeding expectations. Attendees expressed their motivations for participation, including the desire for a brighter political landscape and support for progressive leaders.

Among the crowd, 21-year-olds Ray Alade and Rebekah Kimme highlighted the importance of representation and the impact of governmental policies on their futures. Alade, concerned about advocacy for marginalized communities, voiced a need for political activism, while Kimme lamented potential consequences of federal cuts on education.

In closing, Sanders invoked the words of America’s Founding Fathers, criticizing the current political landscape, stating, “we are not going to let Trump undermine 250 years of democracy.” He called for continued activism, ending with a reminder that the majority must unite against the minority that seeks to dominate.