New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is under fire after referring to President Donald Trump as a “rapist” in a recent post on social media, prompting legal experts and political opponents to call for a defamation lawsuit that could leave her financially devastated.
Ocasio-Cortez made the controversial remark on X (formerly Twitter), posting:
“Wow who would have thought that electing a rapist would have complicated the release of the Epstein Files?”
Though she did not mention Trump by name, many interpreted the post as a direct reference to the president, in connection with the E. Jean Carroll civil case. Trump was found liable for sexual abuse, but not rape, in that trial—a distinction his allies and lawyers were quick to highlight.
“The President should sue AOC into bankruptcy,” wrote legal analyst Phil Holloway on X. “She’s trying to raise her profile, but this is way too far.”
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) also weighed in, suggesting the congresswoman may have crossed legal lines:
“Even under the ridiculously lenient standards of NY Times v. Sullivan, you’ve managed to incur defamation liability. Wow.”
Other Trump supporters quickly echoed the sentiment. Conservative commentator Bill Mitchell pointed out that Trump has never been indicted or convicted of rape and called the comment grounds for a major lawsuit. Political activist Laura Loomer added, “I hope you have millions ready for Trump.”
The backlash comes amid renewed controversy surrounding the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Trump’s critics and allies alike have demanded transparency, with Ocasio-Cortez’s post appearing to tie Trump to the DOJ’s refusal to release a full Epstein client list.
Some lawmakers, like Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), deflected the focus by questioning why Democrats didn’t release Epstein’s files when they had the chance. Others raised concerns about the growing trend of false or exaggerated accusations being used in political discourse.
The controversy also follows a high-profile defamation case involving ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos, who was sued by Trump after repeatedly claiming he was found “liable for rape” in an interview. ABC settled for $15 million and issued a public statement of regret.
Defenders of Ocasio-Cortez argued that her post did not name Trump directly and was therefore not defamatory. However, critics note that public figures can still be liable if the intent and target of a statement are reasonably clear.
Legal experts emphasized that congressional immunity does not apply to comments made on social media or outside of official government proceedings. One post noted, “Your X account doesn’t carry the same protections that come with the House floor.”
As the controversy continues to build, Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly responded to calls for a lawsuit. Her office also did not immediately return requests for comment.
Trump has denied all allegations made by E. Jean Carroll and maintains that he never met her. His legal team has stated that the accusations were politically motivated and meant to damage his public reputation.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded with a scathing statement: “AOC likes to play pretend like she’s from the block, but in reality she’s just a sad, miserable blockhead trying to over-compensate for her lack of self-confidence.”
Whether legal action will be taken remains to be seen, but political observers say the situation is yet another example of how volatile and personal American politics has become in the digital age.
Suing her into bankruptcy will not work. Regardless of the amount awarded her benefactors will simply pay it. She needs to be expelled from the congress.
Arrest AOC for treason and send her to Leavenworth to rot!
Arrest piglosi for treason and execute her for treason!