Fact Check: Did AOC call for Nancy Pelosi’s resignation over alleged drinking problem?
WASHINGTON, DC: A rumor has been circulating on social media platforms claiming that New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for California Representative Nancy Pelosi to resign over an alleged drinking problem, sparking mockery and speculation.
Let us analyse the origins of the claim and fact-check its authenticity.
Claim: AOC calls for Nancy Pelosi resignation over drinking rumor
According to the viral claim, Ocasio-Cortez thinks Nancy Pelosi should resign now and get help for her obvious drinking problem.
"She's reached the point of being unfit to serve," she allegedly told reporters, "She's retiring in seven months. Why wait?"
The post further claims that AOC says Governor Gavin Newsom can appoint a temporary replacement for Pelosi because her term is close to expiring, stating, “It would be in everyone's best interest."
The post, which originated on Facebook, has spread on X, garnering hundreds of thousands of views, with the comment section indicating that many believe the claim to be authentic.
Fact Check: The claim originated as a satire
However, the claim is false, as there is no credible evidence that Ocasio-Cortez asked for Pelosi’s resignation. The claims about the California congresswoman’s drinking problem are also unfounded.
A Google search for the alleged remarks by Ocasio-Cortez yielded no relevant results from prominent news media outlets, which would have widely reported the claim if it were true.
Moreover, the claim was posted by a popular parody account called ‘America’s Last Line of Defense,’ which describes itself in its bio as ‘Nothing on this page is real.’
The post was also accompanied by a picture of Ocasio-Cortez and Pelosi with a small label in the bottom right corner stating, 'Satire.'
Nancy Pelosi dismisses rift with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Earlier this year, there was speculation about tensions between the two congresswomen, after which Pelosi rejected the claims, describing Ocasio-Cortez as a “star,” as questions swirl about her potential 2028 presidential ambitions.
The former House speaker emphasized party unity and declined to speculate on future White House bids.
“All I said to people who say, ‘you have this tension,’ we didn’t have any tensions. All I said is, if you want to be a legislator and pass bills, it’s important to have the votes to do it."
"It doesn’t help to go online and criticize the people that you want to have because they’re not as progressive as you are. She’s been a star, eloquent, forceful, and the rest. And she gets along very well with Hakeem Jeffries. They have a New York connection, but I’m so glad she’s here.”
