FORT WORTH — U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders castigated President Donald Trump and the nation’s billionaire class in a fiery rally Sunday night, warning that the country is on the precipice of unprecedented danger.
In a wide-ranging address at Dickies Arena, Sanders railed against dark money in politics, corporate greed and Trump’s big budget bill currently moving through Congress, which he said would dramatically widen the income gap.
“We have a president who almost every single day goes out of his way to undermine our values and the needs of working families,” Sanders told the crowd of more than 6,000.
Seconds into his speech, Sanders called the Trump administration’s attack against Iran Saturday “illegal and unconstitutional,” and said it violated the War Powers Act, which requires congressional approval for a declaration of war.
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Trump aides have said they disagree with that characterization and called the military strike on Saturday a limited action aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which does not meet the definition of war.
“The U.S. faces enormous problems here at home,” Sanders said. “We should be spending our money and manpower rebuilding America, not going to war against Iran.”
Bernie Sanders brings ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour to Fort Worth with Beto O’Rourke
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The energized crowd — which included North Texas union members, public school teachers and Palestinian supporters — frequently chanted “No new wars.” Some wore old “Bernie for President” t-shirts.
The opposition was a contrast to several high-profile Texas Republican politicians who publicly expressed support for Trump and his decision shortly after the attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites.
“I stand with Donald Trump and the United States of America,” Gov. Greg Abbott said on social media immediately following news of the bombing.
As Democrats have struggled with how to respond to the Trump administration, Sanders is rousing massive crowds in cities across the country, including in states Trump easily won, with his “Fighting Oligarchy” rallies. Sanders launched the tour in February in Nebraska and has made appearances in Texas, Oklahoma and Utah and other states, often accompanied by U.S. Rep.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The 83-year-old senator from Vermont is a familiar face, having run unsuccessfully for president as a Democrat in 2016 and 2020.
Sanders’ populist message — that broad wealth inequality is destroying democracy and working families — is largely unchanged but is resonating with voters looking to challenge Trump.
Too many Americans are struggling to feed their families and pay rising costs for rent, housing and healthcare, Sanders said, while the “people on top have never, ever been better.”
The selection of Fort Worth for the rally was likely not coincidental. Tarrant County is the most populous Republican-leaning county in Texas and is considered an election battleground by both Republicans and Democrats.
Sunday’s rally also featured U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, an Austin Democrat, and former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, an El Paso Democrat, along with performances by MSB Choir and Old 97’s.
O’Rourke, who said Democrats need to create a party for all people, offered a political olive branch to dissatisfied Trump voters.
“We need a united front, the broadest possible voter coalition,” he said. “If you voted for Donald Trump, we are glad you came. We welcome you.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) exits the stage along with former Texas congressman Beto O’Rourke (right) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) after a ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ rally at Dickies Arena, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Fort Worth.(Elías Valverde II / Staff Photographer)
Casar said Democrats should raise minimum wage from $7.25 to $17, increase taxes on billionaires to cut costs for housing and health care and invest in jobs and public education if they win control of Congress.
“The Democratic party cannot leave behind working class people in Fort Worth ever again,” said Casar, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Sanders stressed the importance of Texas to the country’s future.
“The future of American politics rests in Texas,” he said. “As goes Texas, so goes America.”