Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive congresswoman representing parts of Queens and the Bronx, did not hold back in her critique of President-elect Donald Trump. As the U.S. prepared for his inauguration, Ocasio-Cortez warned that the country was on the verge of entering an “authoritarian administration.” Through a series of Instagram videos, she raised concerns about the direction of the country under Trump’s leadership, the role of social media platforms, and the potential for a shift toward fascism in the 21st century.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Criticism of Trump and TikTok
In her remarks, Ocasio-Cortez expressed concern over social media platform TikTok, particularly its apparent display of support for Trump following a brief outage in the U.S. She questioned the platform’s actions, emphasizing that Trump had not yet assumed office at the time and remained a “private citizen.” She expressed disbelief at TikTok’s signaling of potential collaboration with the Trump administration, warning that the platform could be used as a “propaganda tool for the right.”
Ocasio-Cortez’s concerns were further exacerbated by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, facing a looming deadline of January 19 to sell its U.S. operations or face a potential ban. This ultimatum stemmed from national security legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. During this period, Trump suggested he might work with ByteDance to ensure TikTok’s availability in the U.S.
The Influence of Right-Wing Ideologies on Social Media
As part of her critique, Ocasio-Cortez also addressed the broader influence of right-wing ideologies on major social media platforms. She highlighted the significant role of platforms like X (formerly Twitter), now led by Elon Musk, and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Ocasio-Cortez particularly focused on Meta’s recent decision to cease fact-checking initiatives, suggesting that Mark Zuckerberg’s actions reflected an alignment with Republican interests. She also pointed to Zuckerberg’s past contributions to Trump’s inaugural fund as further evidence of his political leanings.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Concerns About Global Trends in Authoritarianism
Ocasio-Cortez raised alarm about global political developments, specifically referencing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Known for his long tenure in power and controversial policies, Orban has faced criticism for undermining democratic institutions in Hungary. Ocasio-Cortez warned that Republicans in the U.S. appeared to be drawing inspiration from Orban’s governance style, particularly in terms of media control and suppressing dissent. Her remarks underscored her belief that American democracy could be at risk as right-wing ideologies gain traction.
Reactions to Ocasio-Cortez’s Remarks
Ocasio-Cortez’s outspoken stance extended to a recent comment in which she referred to Trump as a “rapist.” This remark came in light of a legal settlement between ABC News and Trump after a misstatement by an anchor during a live broadcast in 2024. Ocasio-Cortez, in another Instagram post, made it clear that she would not be attending Trump’s inauguration, stating, “I don’t celebrate rapists.”
Her remarks garnered attention across social media platforms, including a response from right-wing accounts, leading Ocasio-Cortez to reiterate her position with a sharp retort on X.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s main concern regarding Trump’s inauguration?
Ocasio-Cortez expressed concern about the country facing an “authoritarian administration,” warning that this was a potential turning point for U.S. democracy. She also raised alarms about social media platforms potentially supporting Trump’s agenda.
Why did Ocasio-Cortez criticize TikTok’s actions?
She was concerned that TikTok’s apparent acknowledgment of Trump during a brief outage signaled possible collaboration with his administration. Ocasio-Cortez expressed skepticism over the platform’s actions, especially since Trump had not yet assumed office.
How did Ocasio-Cortez connect social media platforms to right-wing ideologies?
Ocasio-Cortez pointed to platforms like X and Meta, accusing them of promoting right-wing ideologies. She highlighted Meta’s decision to stop fact-checking, which she saw as evidence of the platform’s alignment with Republican interests.
What did Ocasio-Cortez say about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban?
Ocasio-Cortez warned that Republicans in the U.S. seemed to be emulating Orban’s approach to governance, specifically regarding media control and the suppression of dissent. She compared the potential impact of such trends in the U.S. to Orban’s authoritarian policies in Hungary.
Why did Ocasio-Cortez refer to Trump as a “rapist”?
Ocasio-Cortez made this statement in reference to a recent legal settlement involving ABC News and Trump. She refused to attend Trump’s inauguration, asserting that she does not celebrate individuals accused of such serious allegations.
Conclusion
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s criticism of President-elect Trump, social media platforms, and global authoritarian trends underscores the tense political climate in the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration. Her remarks reflect her ongoing concern about the intersection of media, politics, and the potential erosion of democratic norms in the U.S. As the country braces for a new administration, Ocasio-Cortez’s warnings serve as a call for vigilance in protecting democratic values.