US Senator Bernie Sanders thrills Coachella crowd with surprise appearance

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders became one of Coachella's most unexpected cameos Saturday, drawing a massive crowd with a surprise appearance at the popular desert music festival.

Screaming fans sprinted over, phones raised, to capture the unannounced speech from the Vermont senator, who took the stage after a blockbuster set by Charli XCX.

"I'm not gonna be long, but this country faces some very difficult challenges, and the future of what happens to America depends on your generation," Sanders said to roaring applause at the California event, which kicks off the global music festival season.

"You can turn away and ignore what goes on, but you do it at your own peril," he said. "We need you to stand up and fight for justice — to fight for economic justice, racial justice, and social justice."

People watch as Charli XCX performs at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, U.S., April 12, 2025.Reuters

Earlier that day, Sanders and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held a campaign rally that organizers said drew 36,000 attendees.

The stop was part of their national "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, which features performances by musicians including Neil Young, Maggie Rogers and Joan Baez.

Under a full moon at Coachella, Sanders used his moment to rail against billionaires, health insurance companies, and President Donald Trump.

"Now we've got a president of the United States," Sanders began before the crowd's loud boos drowned out the mention of Trump.

"I agree," he said. "He thinks climate change is a hoax. He is dangerously wrong, and you and I are going to have to stand up to the fossil fuel industry and tell them to stop destroying this planet."

The senator then introduced singer-songwriter Clairo, thanking her for using her platform to speak out on human rights and progressive causes.

US Senator Bernie Sanders and US Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez have been touring to rally crowds with a "Fighting Oligarchy" message.AFP

"I'm here because Clairo has used her prominence to fight for women's rights, to try to end the terrible, brutal war in Gaza, where thousands of women and children are being killed," Sanders said. "So I want to thank Clairo not only for being in a great band, but for the great work she is doing."

The message resonated.

"I love Bernie Sanders!" one festival-goer screamed as the senator wrapped up his remarks.

Samara Guillory, 21, was among the music lovers who raced to catch the moment.

"It meant so much that Senator Sanders came to our level," she told AFP. "We're the new generation, we're the future of America."

"Coming here, talking to us, spreading awareness — I think this was exactly the move, honestly," she said.