Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faces backlash for video warning of 'fascism' in meltdown over Trump's victory

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed concerns that Donald Trump’s victory could lead to authoritarianism, political oppression, and the jailing of dissenters
PUBLISHED NOV 9, 2024
Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) drew criticism this week after warning that the US was on the verge of entering a period of 'fascism' under President-elect Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) drew criticism this week after warning that the US was on the verge of entering a period of 'fascism' under President-elect Donald Trump (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) sparked a wave of criticism and mockery this week after making alarming claims about the United States' future under President-elect Donald Trump, whom she accused of potentially ushering in an era of "fascism."

In a video posted to social media, Ocasio-Cortez warned that the country was on the brink of a political crisis, suggesting that Trump’s victory could lead to authoritarian rule and a crackdown on dissent.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fears Donald Trump could jail political opponents



 

“We are about to enter a political period that will have consequences for the rest of our lives. We cannot give up,” she said. “We now find ourselves in a time in history that has precedent and we find ourselves, I believe, in a time where there are, let’s say, peers in history of mass movements of people that mobilize to protect one another, in times of fascism and authoritarianism.”

Ocasio-Cortez went on to claim that the US was "poised to enter" a new era where Trump could use military force against political opponents, invoking fears of government overreach.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 10: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaks at the Detroit Economic Club on October 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Michigan is considered a key battleground state in the upcoming presidential election, holding 15 electoral votes. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
President-elect Donald Trump, speaks at the Detroit Economic Club on October 10, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Specifically, Ocasio-Cortez raised concerns that Trump may target “domestic political enemies” and that he could even “jail political dissidents or legislative opponents” during his upcoming term. “This is the world that we very realistically may be entering,” she warned, drawing parallels to regimes of the past known for silencing opposition through forceful means.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s comments spark backlash as critics accuse her of hyperbole

According to the Dailywire, the New York congresswoman's remarks triggered a wave of responses from both supporters and critics alike.

Media analyst Joe Concha criticized her statements, saying, “AOC is one of the main reasons the Democratic Party is where it is right now. Take your cues from her or MSNBC or CNN and expect this result.”

Concha’s comment was part of a broader reaction to Ocasio-Cortez’s rhetoric, which many saw as hyperbolic and inflammatory.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 12: U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks during a news con
Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's fiery remarks about a 'fascist' era under Donald Trump sparked criticism, with many dismissing her rhetoric as exaggerated and divisive (Getty Images)

Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, a satirical news outlet, also weighed in, responding to Ocasio-Cortez’s comments with, “This is all they’ve got. Even after they lose because of it, they can’t help but double down.” Dillon’s statement echoed the sentiment of many critics, who argued that Ocasio-Cortez’s dire predictions reflected a tendency within certain political circles to lean into dramatic narratives even in the face of electoral defeat.

Ocasio-Cortez’s rhetoric isn’t entirely new; in the past, she has made similarly inflammatory comparisons between Trump and historical figures. She previously likened Trump to Adolf Hitler, especially when discussing the former president’s handling of immigration, and controversially claimed that Trump had established "concentration camps" for undocumented migrants.

Social media erupts with mixed reactions to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s claims

Social media was quick to react to Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s warnings about the possibility of Donald Trump imprisoning his political opponents.

One user wrote, "He’d better check with Legal. Putting her there might be considered “cruel and unusual punishment” to the existing inmates."

Another user replied, "She thinks way too highly of herself."

One added, "This kind of talk is SO disgusting! She’s insane. They are the ones that tried to imprison their political opponent. The hypocrisy is astounding!"

One replied, "He’s not ever going to do that! He has more problems to solve than her insecure thoughts which indicates she must be guilty of something."

"He prolly doesn't even think about her," said one user.

One said, "He barely knows you exist. You are not at all on his radar."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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