April 10 sparked the annual start of one of the world’s most infamous music festivals, Coachella. This event attracts younger audiences and influencers who travel to Coachella Valley to attend.

Coachella is known for having diverse lineups and artist appearances, as well as famous celebrities and influencers in attendance. This year, despite the number of well-known faces in attendance, there was a particularly unexpected guest: Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Coachella is known to be an event focusing on music, so people questioned why Sanders made an appearance. Sanders introduced songwriter and singer Clairo before she took to the stage. He decided to give an impromptu-style speech for the audience regarding the United States’ current political situation and why Gen-Z should oppose President Donald Trump and his administration.

Sanders began his speech by heavily addressing and advocating for youth power, stating that our society relies on the power of the youth.

According to Audiense, Coachella aims to attract an audience of primarily Gen Z, with most guests between the ages of 18-34. This year, 58% of attendees at Coachella were women.

Sanders is known for being politically popular with the younger generation, so Coachella was a strategic place to spread his message.

He continued to address the dangers of the Trump administration and urged the audience to resist.

“The future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation,” Sanders said, according to The Harvard Crimson.

He finished his speech and introduced Clairo shortly after. He highlighted her political views, advocating for women’s rights along with children and families suffering on the Gaza Strip. Another issue Sanders addressed was the economy.

“We have an economy today that is working very well for the billionaire class, but not for working families,” Sanders said, according to The Nation. “We need you to stand up to the insurance companies and the drug companies and understand that healthcare is a human right.”

Along with healthcare and economic issues, Sanders concluded his speech by stating that Gen Z is the face of political change, and they need to “fight the oligarchy.”

He finished his speech and introduced Clairo for her performance shortly after. The audience and crowd at Coachella seemed to be moved by Sanders’ passion for change, and his move to attend a specific event known for a younger demographic in attendance.

Attendees at Coachella did not see Sanders’ speech as one for attention — but rather one of importance, despite Trump’s sentiments against him telling him to “catch a flight and retire.”

As a senator, Sanders addressing current political issues with Gen Z is a mission that he has a personal and even emotional connection to. He believes that the younger generation has the power to inflict change.

Coachella has had multiple memorable performances and appearances by popular artists, but Sanders’ appearance was not one to simply move past – he came to Coachella emphasizing a message.

His compassion while speaking to his audience emphasized his passion for saving society.

Attendees at Coachella will remember seeing their favorite artist headline — but maybe they’ll think about Sanders and Clairo in a different light.