“We Are Fully Here”: AOC Says America Has Become an Oligarchy

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) delivered a stark warning about the state of American democracy during a candid Instagram Q&A session. The progressive lawmaker argued that the United States has already transitioned into an oligarchy, citing the outsized influence of billionaires in politics, media, and governance.

“Oh, I don’t think we’re witnessing the start of an oligarchy. I think we are fully here,” Ocasio-Cortez stated. She pointed to recent developments, including the actions of unelected billionaires influencing government decisions and media narratives. “You literally have a completely unelected billionaire who has just taken over and paused government funding to specifically take out provisions regarding China and other areas that pertain to him,” she said, without naming names.

The congresswoman also criticized the concentration of media ownership, referencing billionaires like Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post, and Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times. “You have billionaires… completely interjecting into their editorial boards and manipulating what’s being written in them. We’re here. We are here,” she emphasized.

A Clash of Titans: Musk vs. Trump

Ocasio-Cortez also delved into the political dynamics of Republican leadership, suggesting that Elon Musk’s rising influence could challenge former President Donald Trump’s hold on the GOP. “Elon Musk, I believe, does create problems for Trump,” she said, adding that the tension between the two figures is confusing Republicans. “When Elon tweets something and when Trump tweets something, Republicans don’t know… who their daddy is. Like, they don’t know which one they need to be listening to first, and it’s scrambling them.”

While critical of both Musk and Trump, Ocasio-Cortez predicted that Musk’s growing influence could rival Trump’s, creating a new power struggle on the right.

Preparing for “Experimental” Times

Ocasio-Cortez expressed uncertainty about what the future holds but warned of “highly experimental” times. She urged Americans to focus on building independent grassroots movements rather than waiting for political parties to lead the way.

“I do not believe… that we wait for Democrats as a political party to save the country,” she said. Instead, she called for strengthening labor unions, protests, and other people-driven movements. “I believe that building independent power of people’s movements, union, labor, other protest movements, etc., is key.”

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Answering questions over on Instagram tonight – @aoc

♬ original sound – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Nation at a Crossroads

Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks reflect growing concerns among progressives about the erosion of democratic norms and the increasing influence of wealth in politics. Her comments come at a time of heightened political tension, with Congress bracing for a tumultuous year as the 2024 election season approaches.

While some will view her statements as a rallying cry for systemic change, critics may see them as divisive. Regardless, Ocasio-Cortez has once again solidified her position as a vocal and influential figure in American politics, unafraid to challenge the status quo.