Bernie Sanders definitely isn’t making the Democrats happy.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) recently found himself agreeing with two of President-elect Trump’s key appointments for his incoming administration—tech billionaire Elon Musk and environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—on several important issues, despite their contrasting political views.
In an interview with Business Insider, Sanders acknowledged Musk’s intelligence and recognized that, while they may differ on many points, the Tesla CEO has a valid concern regarding government waste. Musk, who has been tapped to co-lead Trump’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, has proposed significant cuts to federal spending, particularly in defense. Sanders, who has often been critical of Musk, called him “a smart guy” and agreed with his calls for an independent audit of the Pentagon, a department that has failed multiple audits over the years. “We need a strong military, but we don’t need all the waste and fraud that exists in the Pentagon right now,” Sanders said.
Musk’s criticism of the Pentagon’s bloated budget aligns with Sanders’ long-standing concern about the excessive spending in Washington. Sanders, a prominent voice on fiscal responsibility, recently tweeted in support of Musk’s position, noting that the Pentagon’s $886 billion budget continues to grow without adequate oversight, despite repeated failures in accounting. “Only 13 senators voted against a defense budget full of waste and fraud last year. That must change,” Sanders emphasized, signaling his willingness to work with anyone—regardless of party affiliation—who shares his concerns about government inefficiency.
Sanders also found common ground with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the outspoken environmentalist tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, who has made headlines for his controversial views on vaccines, shares Sanders’ concern about the nation’s growing health crisis. “The amount of chronic illness we have is extraordinary,” Sanders said, noting the rising rates of obesity and diabetes in America. Both Kennedy and Sanders have been vocal about the need to combat the processed food industry’s role in contributing to these health problems.
However, Sanders did not fully embrace all of Kennedy’s views, particularly his anti-vaccine stance, which Sanders dismissed as “kind of crazy.” Still, Sanders admitted that some of Kennedy’s ideas—particularly his focus on improving public health—are worth considering, as they align with Sanders’ broader goal of ensuring that Americans live longer, healthier lives.
In the midst of growing partisan divides, these unusual alliances highlight the potential for cross-party collaboration, especially on issues like government accountability, public health, and military spending. Sanders’ willingness to work with Musk and Kennedy underscores a pragmatic approach to addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.