AOC claims Trump’s Iran, Venezuela actions tied to Epstein files: ‘He feels existentially tied’

Ocasio-Cortez argued Trump’s foreign policy decisions lacked a clear strategy and appeared to coincide with renewed scrutiny over Epstein-related files
PUBLISHED MAR 5, 2026
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned Donald Trump’s foreign policy decisions during an interview discussing the Epstein files (Screengrab/@Acyn/X, Getty Images)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned Donald Trump’s foreign policy decisions during an interview discussing the Epstein files (Screengrab/@Acyn/X, Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized recent military actions by President Donald Trump, suggesting they may be linked to the controversy surrounding files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Her remarks came after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Friday, February 28, targeting its leadership, ballistic missile programme, and armed forces. Ocasio-Cortez made the comments during an interview in which she was asked about public speculation regarding the timing of the bombing and the Epstein files.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 20: U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks at a press conference urg
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke at a press conference outside the US Capitol on July 20, 2021, in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

AOC questions timing of Trump’s Iran strike

During the interview, the host asked, “What’s your message to Americans who think that bombing of Iran was in some way intended to distract Americans from the Epstein files?”

Responding to the question, Ocasio-Cortez said, “Well, listen, I think we’re seeing this pattern, right? Trump has impulsively, he impulsively went in on Venezuela. He impulsively went in on Iran. There was no exit and no end game for either of these situations.”

She added that the actions had led to increased global instability. “It led to increased global instability everywhere he goes. And every time he’s done that, it has been consistent with a spike or a revelation in what is happening with the Epstein files.”

US and Israel Launch Major Military Strikes on Iran (AP)
US and Israeli forces carried out major military strikes targeting Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure (AP)

Ocasio-Cortez also stated that she did not believe the timing was coincidental. “I don’t think that coincidence is something to dismiss off the cuff,” she said.

According to her remarks, she believes the issue may have a direct influence on decision-making within the administration. “I think that he feels existentially tied to it. And I actually think that it is one reason that he must be removed from office.”

She further argued that if the Epstein files had such influence on the president and his administration, it raised serious concerns about leadership decisions. “If they are willing to plunge us and risk world war in order to save themselves politically, that is the definition of someone who cannot make objective decisions for the American people,” she said.

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 08: A protest group called
Protesters displayed signs referencing Jeffrey Epstein outside the federal courthouse in New York City on July 8, 2019 (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) 

House Oversight Committee moves to subpoena attorney general in Epstein probe

Meanwhile, the House committee investigating Epstein voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about her handling of Justice Department files related to the disgraced financier.

The Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted 24 to 19 on Wednesday to issue the subpoena. The move was proposed by Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace and passed over the objection of the panel’s chairman, James Comer.

Mace said the subpoena would require Bondi to give a taped, closed-door deposition under oath, although a date for the testimony has not yet been set. She said she would question Bondi about Epstein-related files that have not been released despite a law passed by Congress requiring their disclosure.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 03: U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) speaks to the media after attending Congressional briefings on Iran at the U.S. Capitol on March 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump administration Cabinet officials will be briefing all lawmakers in the House and Senate on U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
Nancy Mace spoke to reporters after attending Congressional briefings on Iran at the US Capitol on March 3, 2026 (Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Mace told reporters after the vote, “I need to get to the bottom of this. This is going to go down as one of the greatest cover-ups in American history.”

As part of the ongoing investigation, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave depositions to the committee last week. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has also agreed to testify in the investigation.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN US VENEZUELA GEOPOLITICAL CRISIS

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