AOC Will Not Attend Donald Trump’s Inauguration: “I Don’t Celebrate Rapists”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has once again reached the headlines, this time with her clear decision to boycott the coming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

In a now-viral video on TikTok, formerly known as Twitter, AOC answered a question about whether she will be in attendance with a succinct remark: “Let me make myself clear. I don’t celebrate rapists.”

@aoc

Here’s why I won’t be attending the inauguration tomorrow.

♬ original sound – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Her statement generated a buzz of responses, ranging from common applause among supporters to snide remarks from conservative commentators and Trump allies.

History of Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Ocasio-Cortez’s remark came amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Donald Trump and the multiple sexual assault allegations leveled against him. So far, Trump has been accused by more than two dozen women. One of the most popular cases involves a writer named E. Jean Carroll.

In May 2023, a New York jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, awarding her $5 million in damages. Carroll later won a second defamation case against him in 2024. In December 2024, a judge ordered Trump to sit for an in-person deposition in another lawsuit after a host publicly accused him of rape.

For AOC and others, these allegations underscore what they see as a pattern of behavior unbefitting a president and justify their refusal to honor him with attendance.

AOC’s Commitment to Advocacy for Survivors

AOC had always been very vocal about calling for survivors of sexual assault to be heard and was also planning to boycott the inauguration.

In a 2022 interview with GQ, she opened up to talk about her own experiences with sexual violence while calling for greater accountability among men in positions of power.

She has also spoken out on the issue of abortion rights, advocating for men to step up in the fight for reproductive justice. According to her, “Accountability cannot only fall on women—it’s a shared responsibility.”

Public Reactions: Praise and Criticism

This statement by the congresswoman has created fierce debate on social media. People supporting her have tagged her as a morally upright figure who should not normalize the alleged misconduct of Trump. A commentator wrote, “AOC’s courage is exactly why we need more leaders like her. She refuses to look the other way.”

However, the critics labeled AOC as being divisive and disrespecting the office of the presidency. Conservative commentator Tom Fitton commented, “Whether you agree with Trump or not, refusing to attend the inauguration is an insult to democracy.”

Another example of polarization gripping American politics is the decision of AOC not to attend Trump’s inauguration. To some, it’s a principled stand against what they consider a disturbing history on the part of Trump. For others, it’s a move that sparks controversy and emphasizes the lack of unity in the nation’s political landscape.

It’s clear that as the inauguration approaches, this will remain a flashpoint in the larger conversation over accountability, leadership, and the expectations placed on public figures.

Whatever one feels about the correctness of her stance, her refusal to attend was a powerful reminder of the place politics holds vis-à-vis personal conviction.