On the latest leg of his Fighting Oligarchy Tour, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders held rallies in West Virginia, highlighting the influence of the billionaire class on politics and criticizing Republican cuts to healthcare and social programs. Addressing a packed crowd in Wheeling, Sanders challenged the notion that West Virginia is a conservative state, drawing attention to its labor history symbolized by the red bandanas worn by attendees. He warned that President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act could lead to significant Medicaid cuts, impacting 15 million Americans, including 50,000 in West Virginia, and threatening food assistance for many families. The senator’s messages resonated, particularly in areas like Lenore, where he engaged with over 400 residents about the implications of education cuts. Sanders emphasized that his ideas reflect the needs of the American populace and criticized the existing system’s failure to provide equitable education. He plans to continue his tour with stops in North Carolina, promoting policies to combat economic inequality and support public welfare.