
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s scathing critique of Elon Musk ignites fierce debate and backlash from supporters.
At a Glance
- AOC called Elon Musk “not smart” and an “unintelligent billionaire” in a 92-minute Instagram live video
- Her comments followed Musk’s actions related to USAID, accused of working with Democrats
- Critics mocked AOC’s statements, calling her remarks ironic
- USAID operations have been halted, with thousands of personnel let go
- The U.S. disbursed $72 billion in global assistance in fiscal year 2023
AOC’s Controversial Remarks
New York Democrat Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has once again stirred controversy with her recent comments about tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. During a 92-minute Instagram live video, AOC unleashed a barrage of criticism against Musk, describing him as “not smart” and an “unintelligent billionaire.” Her remarks have sparked a heated debate and drawn significant attention from both supporters and critics.
AOC’s criticism extended beyond Musk’s intelligence, as she expressed concerns about his influence and suggested that his decisions could lead to negative consequences. The congresswoman’s comments have reignited discussions about the role of influential business leaders in shaping public discourse and policy.
Context and Backlash
AOC’s comments about Musk followed his actions related to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been accused of working with Democrats. This connection has led to speculation about the motivations behind AOC’s criticism and whether it stems from political disagreements rather than genuine concerns about Musk’s capabilities.
“This dude is probably one of the most unintelligent billionaires I have ever met or seen or witnessed.” – AOC
Critics have been quick to mock AOC’s statements, with many calling her remarks ironic and humorous. The backlash highlights the divisive nature of AOC’s public persona and the strong reactions her comments often elicit from both supporters and detractors.
USAID Controversy
The controversy surrounding USAID has added another layer to the ongoing debate. Following Musk’s claim that President Trump agreed to shut down the agency, USAID employees were advised to avoid Washington offices. This development has led to significant disruptions in the agency’s operations, with thousands of personnel being let go and operations coming to a halt.
Over 600 USAID employees were locked out of the agency’s computer systems, and the headquarters was closed to personnel. These actions have raised questions about the future of U.S. global assistance programs and their impact on international relations.
Impact on Global Assistance
The controversy surrounding USAID and AOC’s comments come at a time when U.S. global assistance plays a significant role in international aid efforts. In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. disbursed $72 billion in global assistance, providing 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the UN in 2024. The potential disruption of these programs could have far-reaching consequences for recipients of U.S. aid around the world.
“There’s a lot of people more concerned about being precisely, factually, and semantically correct than about being morally right.” – AOC
As the debate continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between political figures, business leaders, and government agencies. The ongoing controversy surrounding AOC’s comments and the USAID situation underscores the need for careful consideration of the potential impacts of public statements and policy decisions on both domestic and international affairs.