Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is a prominent American politician and activist. Serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district since 2019, she's a member of the Democratic Party. She is known for her progressive views and active use of social media, advocating for policies like the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. As a young, Latina woman from a working-class background, she has become a symbol for a new generation of politicians.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

February 2018: Call for defunding and abolishing ICE

In February 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for defunding and abolishing the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, describing it as "a product of the Bush-era Patriot Act suite of legislation".

May 2018: Criticism of IDF's actions during Gaza border protests

In May 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) use of deadly force against Palestinians participating in the 2018 Gaza border protests, describing it as a "massacre" in a tweet.

July 2018: Statement on two-state solution and Israeli presence in West Bank

In a July 2018 interview, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated she was "a proponent of a two-state solution" and referred to Israel's presence in the West Bank as an "occupation of Palestine", later acknowledging she was not an expert on the issue.

March 2019: Targeted by Hoax Claims

In March 2019, PolitiFact reported that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was a frequent target of hoax claims and misinformation campaigns.

June 2019: Comparison of detention centers to "concentration camps"

In June 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez compared detention centers for undocumented immigrants under the Trump administration to "concentration camps", citing expert analysis and an Esquire article. This comparison sparked controversy, drawing both support and criticism and leading to a debate about the use of the term.

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July 14, 2019: Trump's Attack on the Squad

On July 14, 2019, President Trump attacked "the Squad," including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, in a tweet suggesting they should "go back and help fix" their countries of origin.

July 2019: Spread of Fake Material

By July 2019, fake quotes, photos, and rumors about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had spread on social media.

July 2019: Vote against House resolution condemning BDS movement

In July 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez voted against a House resolution introduced by Representative Brad Schneider condemning the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement targeting Israel. The resolution ultimately passed 398–17.

July 2019: Lawsuits Filed Over Twitter Blocking

In July 2019, two lawsuits were filed against Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for blocking Joey Salads and Dov Hikind on Twitter, citing First Amendment concerns.

July 18, 2019: Threat by Police Officer

On July 18, 2019, a police officer from Gretna, Louisiana, posted an apparent threat to shoot Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Facebook, leading to his termination. He posted the comment in response to a fake news article that falsely quoted Ocasio-Cortez as saying, "We pay soldiers too much".

November 4, 2019: Settlement and Apology in Twitter Blocking Lawsuit

On November 4, 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez settled a lawsuit regarding her blocking of users on Twitter. She issued an apology following the lawsuit settlement.

July 20, 2020: Confrontation with Ted Yoho

On July 20, 2020, US representatives Ted Yoho and Roger Williams accosted Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the Capitol steps, where Yoho verbally attacked her with offensive language. Ocasio-Cortez responded with a speech addressing the incident and the broader issue of violence against women.

May 2021: Condemnation of Israeli evictions in East Jerusalem

In May 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez issued a statement condemning Israel's evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem and criticized President Biden's support for Israel's "right to defend itself".

September 2021: Ethics Complaint Filed

In September 2021, the American Accountability Foundation filed an ethics complaint against Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for attending the Met Gala, alleging that her attendance was an illegal gift.

September 23, 2021: Vote change on funding for Israel's Iron Dome

On September 23, 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez changed her vote from "no" to "present" on a bill providing $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, citing "hateful targeting" surrounding the bill, and apologized for the vote while maintaining her opposition due to human rights concerns.

November 2021: Paul Gosar's social media post

In November 2021, Representative Paul Gosar posted an edited version of the anime series Attack on Titan, depicting him attacking Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Joe Biden. This led to calls for investigation and censure by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Ocasio-Cortez condemned the video as normalizing violence.

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2021: Attended 2021 Met Gala

In 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended the Met Gala with the theme "In America: a Lexicon of Fashion". She wore an organza gown with the phrase "Tax the Rich".

March 2022: Call for Justice Thomas' resignation

In March 2022, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on Justice Clarence Thomas to resign over his wife's texts urging President Trump's chief of staff to overturn the 2020 presidential election, raising the possibility of impeachment if he did not.

June 2022: Statement on judicial coup in progress

In June 2022, after consequential Supreme Court rulings and the granting of certiorari to Moore v. Harper, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted that the US was "witnessing a judicial coup in progress".

June 2022: Call for impeachment of Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh

In June 2022, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for the impeachment of Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, alleging they lied under oath about their views on Roe during their confirmation hearings.

July 18, 2023: Vote against resolution regarding Israel

On July 18, 2023, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and eight other progressive Democrats voted against a congressional non-binding resolution stating that "the State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state," arguing against pairing accusations of antisemitism with concerns about human rights.

2023: Condemnation of Hamas attack on Israel and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza

In 2023, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. On October 12, she criticized Israel's plans to block electricity, water, and fuel from Gaza, and on October 16, she signed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

January 2024: Response to US cutting funding to UNRWA

In January 2024, after the US and other countries cut funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged the reports but stated that cutting funding was "unacceptable" and the US "should restore aid immediately".

March 22, 2024: Characterization of Israel's assault on Gaza as genocide

On March 22, 2024, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez characterized Israel's assault on Gaza and the Gaza Strip famine as genocide.

2024: Boycott of Netanyahu's speech and condemnation of Lebanon attacks

In 2024, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez boycotted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress, calling him a war criminal. Later in September, she condemned the Lebanon electronic device attacks.

2024: Statement on killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO

In 2024, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez commented on the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, stating that it was "not to say that an act of violence is justified" but that "people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them".

February 2025: Tom Homan's Criticism

In February 2025, "border czar" Tom Homan publicly criticized Ocasio-Cortez, leading to a response where she defended her efforts and invoked the Fourth Amendment.

2025: Opposition to American Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites

In 2025, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opposed American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, stating that such actions would be "absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment".