Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing significant criticism following a social media post in which she referred to former President Donald Trump as a “rapist” in connection to the recent release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
“Wow who would have thought that electing a rapist would have complicated the release of the Epstein Files?” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X (formerly Twitter), referencing Trump and the 2023 civil trial involving writer E. Jean Carroll. In that case, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation but did not find him liable for rape—a distinction that critics say the Congresswoman failed to acknowledge.
The post quickly drew sharp reactions online, with several public figures and legal commentators suggesting the tweet could amount to defamation. Among them was Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), who referenced the 1964 Supreme Court decision New York Times Co. v. Sullivan in a post, implying Ocasio-Cortez may have crossed legal lines even under the high standard of proof for public figures.
Trump ally Laura Loomer and legal analyst Phil Holloway were among those who called for the former president to sue Ocasio-Cortez, comparing the situation to a 2023 defamation case involving ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. In that case, Stephanopoulos and ABC were sued after he inaccurately stated Trump had been “found liable for rape.” The lawsuit was settled in December with ABC agreeing to pay $16 million in total and issuing a public apology.
“This is defamatory,” Loomer posted. “And I hope you are sued by Trump the same way George Stephanopoulos was.” Holloway echoed that sentiment, writing, “The President should sue AOC into bankruptcy.”
While some supporters of Ocasio-Cortez defended the post as a critique of Trump’s legal history, others questioned the accuracy and political intent behind her statement.
The White House has not commented on whether Trump is considering legal action in response to the post.
