In a powerful gathering in Missoula, Montana, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) addressed a crowd of over 7,500 attendees as part of Bernie Sanders' Fight Oligarchy Tour 2025. The event highlighted the growing concerns about the concentration of power and corruption in the United States, which Ocasio-Cortez described as an "oligarchy" threatening the rights and freedoms of everyday Americans.
Ocasio-Cortez began her speech by acknowledging the significance of the moment, emphasizing the need for collective action against the injustices faced by working-class individuals. She praised the efforts of labor leaders like Sarah Nelson, recognizing their commitment to fighting for the rights of workers. The congresswoman's remarks resonated with the audience, who shared a collective frustration over the current political climate, where many feel marginalized and targeted.
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Subscribe for Free The congresswoman pointed to alarming trends, including the targeting of LGBTQ individuals, the firing of educators for teaching accurate American history, and the detention of activists without due process. She specifically called out the Trump administration for detaining Mahmoud Khalil, a protestor jailed without evidence, framing this as a violation of American values and a direct attack on free speech.
Ocasio-Cortez urged the crowd to recognize their power in this critical moment, asserting that democracy relies not just on institutions but on the active participation of the people. She encouraged attendees to stand firm against authoritarianism and to work towards a better future, emphasizing that change is possible if individuals unite and take action.
The event underscored the urgency of addressing systemic issues and the importance of grassroots movements in shaping a more equitable society. As the Fight Oligarchy Tour continues, the discussions in Missoula reflect a broader national conversation about democracy, rights, and the role of citizens in advocating for change.