AOC widely mocked after saying Venezuela is ‘below the equator’ at Munich Security Conference

MUNICH, GERMANY: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently drew widespread public mockery after her remarks at the 2026 Munich Security Conference regarding Venezuela.

While speaking about the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by the Trump administration last month, what was meant to showcase Ocasio-Cortez's understanding of foreign policy instead became a focus of criticism across social media. 

Viral reactions pour in over AOC’s geography mistake

At the conference, while criticizing President Donald Trump’s actions leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, AOC stated that Venezuela is “below the equator,” a factual error that many observers quickly seized on and made the central focus of public reactions.

One critic reacted bluntly, saying, "The crowd applauding shows that AOC was not just the only imbecile in that gathering."

One social media user criticized elected officials and their supporters, writing, "Just remember, it’s not just about the lack of knowledge that these moron politicians possess. The absolute worst morons are those that vote them in."

One commentator argued that the reaction exposed her perceived bias, saying, “If Obama would have kidnapped Maduro, they'd be celebrating in the streets. They just clap at anything anti-Trump, even when it makes zero sense.”

Another netizen expressed disbelief at her continued political support, writing, "What’s wild is people will still vote for her."

A critic mocked her comments online, writing, "Lol so Venezuela gets a free pass because it’s “below the equator”? That’s not foreign policy; that’s a geometry meltdown. Dem leadership, yikes." 

One online reaction questioned her logic, writing, "Aside from her geographical retardation, what does the equator have to do with taking action or not?"

AOC struggles to clarify foreign policy positions

Ocasio-Cortez addressed serious concerns about US foreign policy during her appearance, saying, “Maduro canceled elections. He was an anti-democratic leader. That doesn’t mean that we can kidnap a head of state and engage in acts of war just because the nation is below the equator.”

Ocasio-Cortez, who represents The Bronx and Queens, traveled to Germany last week to participate in panels at the security conference. Her presence was widely interpreted as an effort to build her foreign-policy credentials as she considers a possible presidential or Senate run in 2028.

During one session, she was asked whether the US should commit troops to defend Taiwan if China were to move militarily. In response, she struggled to articulate a direct position, speaking hesitantly with numerous pauses and qualifiers, an answer that critics described as unclear and lacking substance.

Additionally, when pressed to explain what she views as the most significant change in American foreign policy under Trump, she again stumbled, offering an answer that failed to satisfy many observers.

Throughout her remarks at the conference, she consistently underscored the importance of addressing domestic inequality. She argued that democracies must work to elevate the working class within their own societies to “stave off the scourges of authoritarianism,” framing internal social and economic conditions as fundamentally linked to global democratic stability.

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