WASHINGTON — Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat and outspoken progressive, painted a grim picture of America’s future following Donald J. Trump’s 2024 election victory, issuing a warning that sounded more like a conspiracy theory than a measured response. The congresswoman suggested that the U.S. could be on the brink of authoritarian rule, comparing Trump’s return to the White House to the rise of historical “fascism” and “strongmen” regimes abroad.
In her latest comments, Ocasio-Cortez seemed to predict an almost apocalyptic future, claiming that “we are about to enter a political period that will have consequences for the rest of our lives.” Her remarks included warnings that Trump might use the military against American citizens and jail political dissidents, despite no evidence supporting these claims.
“Donald Trump has talked about turning the military on U.S. citizens that he deems his domestic political enemies,” she stated, without citing specific examples. “Authoritarians and people that he affiliates closely with, and strongmen abroad, in regimes like that, it is not uncommon to jail political dissidents or legislative opponents.”
Ocasio-Cortez’s comments reflect a broader pattern among some progressive Democrats who see Trump’s presidency as an existential threat. Critics, however, argue that her statements amount to fear-mongering, pointing out that similar predictions were made before Trump’s first term, none of which materialized.
To some observers, her statements echo the rhetoric of a “sky is falling” narrative that has been prevalent among left-leaning politicians since 2016. By invoking imagery of fascist regimes and mass repression, Ocasio-Cortez appears to be doubling down on the alarmist tone that has defined much of her political messaging around Trump.
As the nation processes the election results, Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks have drawn both support from her progressive base and criticism from those who view her as out of touch with mainstream American concerns. For now, her dire predictions remain just that: predictions.