Brit Hume warns AOC not ready for national stage after Munich missteps
WASHINGTON, DC: Veteran political analyst Brit Hume delivered a sharp critique of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez following her appearance at the Munich Security Conference, arguing that the progressive congresswoman is still unprepared for national leadership.
Hume’s comments focused on Ocasio-Cortez’s knowledge gaps in foreign policy, saying her recent missteps raise questions about her readiness to take on a larger national role.
“I think about AOC as a woman with some political talent and gifts, but knowledge doesn’t seem to be one of them,” Hume said, pointing to her international remarks.
🚨 NEW: Brit Hume says AOC “has some schooling remaining before she can be taken seriously on a national stage.”
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) February 17, 2026
“I think about AOC as a woman with some political talent and gifts, but it’s just that knowledge doesn’t seem to be one of them.”
“Not only did she stumble on… pic.twitter.com/xNiNKyh0ih
Ocasio-Cortez faces criticism over Munich Security Conference missteps
Ocasio-Cortez’s appearance in Munich was meant to showcase her foreign policy credentials, but her comments quickly drew criticism. She incorrectly suggested that US policy toward Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro could not involve “kidnapping” because Venezuela is “below the equator,” a statement that sparked widespread attention online.
“It is not a remark on who Maduro was as a leader. He 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 said. Critics noted Venezuela is actually north of the equator, highlighting the geographic error.
Foreign policy knowledge gaps exposed on Taiwan and Venezuela
Hume emphasized that Ocasio-Cortez’s foreign policy stumbles go beyond Venezuela. “Not only did she stumble on Taiwan, which is a front-and-center issue in American foreign policy for someone with national ambitions, she also said Venezuela is south of the equator – it’s very much north – which is something that someone like her should know,” he said.
WOW: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is getting absolutely DEMOLISHED online after her epic geography blunder—claiming the U.S. can't "kidnap" Nicolás Maduro because Venezuela is "below the equator."
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) February 16, 2026
“Maduro canceled elections. He was an anti-democratic leader. That doesn't… pic.twitter.com/ZALTfbFQI3
The analysis underscores a broader debate over Ocasio-Cortez’s preparedness for national office. Supporters highlight her grassroots appeal and communication skills, but critics argue that high-level policy knowledge remains a critical concern.
AOC’s national ambitions come under growing scrutiny
Hume framed his remarks within the context of Ocasio-Cortez’s potential national ambitions. While he acknowledged her political instincts, he stressed that foreign policy expertise is essential for credibility on the national stage.
“She has some schooling remaining before she can be taken seriously on a national stage,” Hume concluded, reinforcing that knowledge gaps could hinder her future leadership prospects.