New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Festival-goers at Coachella 2025 got an unexpected political twist when Senator Bernie Sanders stepped on stage in Indio, California, on Saturday, April 12. At 83, the Vermont senator took the mic to introduce singer-songwriter Clairo, but also to deliver a heartfelt message to the younger generation.
Sanders urged the crowd to stay engaged in shaping the country's future. "You can't afford to sit this one out," he said, according to 'Time'. "Your generation holds the key to solving the serious issues we face-economic, racial, and social justice all need your voice and action."
When Sanders mentioned the U.S. president, the crowd responded with loud boos-he nodded in agreement. He then called out Donald Trump's denial of climate change, stressing the urgency of holding the fossil fuel industry accountable. "We can't let them keep destroying the Earth," he said.
The senator also criticized growing economic inequality, noting that the system works great for billionaires, but not for everyday people. He emphasized the need to challenge big insurance and drug companies, reaffirming his belief that "healthcare is a human right."
Sanders praised
Clairo for using her influence to support women's rights and to call attention to the violence in Gaza, highlighting the deaths of many civilians, including women and children.
Later, Sanders posted a photo from the festival on X, formerly Twitter, writing: "Thanks, Coachella. I loved introducing the amazing @clairo tonight. These are challenging times-young people must lead the way in tackling climate change, standing up for women, and creating an economy that benefits everyone."
Earlier that same day, Sanders had spoken at an event in LA's
Gloria Molina Grand Park as part of his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. That event featured performances by Neil Young, Joan Baez, and Maggie Rogers.
The tour has been drawing large crowds in several states, including Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado. In one particularly headline-making moment last month in Wisconsin, Sanders invited punk rocker
Laura Jane
Grace on stage to perform a provocative track titled "Your God (God's D—)," which stirred debate online due to its bold lyrics and religious overtones.
