Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ignited backlash after calling Donald Trump a “rapist” on X, a claim critics say crosses legal lines into defamation. The fallout comes just months after ABC paid Trump $15 million over a similar allegation.
Key Facts:
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called Trump a “rapist” on X, referencing the Epstein files controversy.
- A jury in the E. Jean Carroll case found Trump liable for sexual abuse—not rape.
- Trump critics and allies slammed AOC’s comment as defamatory and legally actionable.
- In March, ABC paid Trump $15 million to settle a similar defamation case involving George Stephanopoulos.
- Legal analysts and lawmakers are now calling for Trump to sue AOC.
The Rest of The Story:
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sparked outrage online after referring to former President Donald Trump as a “rapist” in a post related to the Jeffrey Epstein client list controversy.
The post read, “Wow who would have thought that electing a rapist would have complicated the release of the Epstein Files?”
The comment seemed to reference the civil case brought by E. Jean Carroll in which a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse, but not rape.
Critics, including legal experts and lawmakers, were quick to point out the discrepancy and warn AOC of potential legal consequences.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee accused her of meeting the legal standard for defamation, saying on X: “Even under the ridiculously lenient standards of NY Times v. Sullivan, you’ve managed to incur defamation liability.”
Other Trump allies echoed similar sentiments, including Bill Mitchell who said Trump has “never been indicted for rape much less convicted.”
The backlash was especially fierce because it follows ABC’s $15 million defamation settlement with Trump.
That case stemmed from George Stephanopoulos repeatedly stating Trump was “liable for rape” during a televised interview, despite the court’s finding to the contrary.
Ocasio-Cortez did not directly name Trump in her post, but most interpreted the statement as a clear reference.
Her defenders argue the lack of a name protects her from liability, though experts disagree on whether that argument will hold in court.
AOC referred to President Trump as a “rapist” on social media, sparking a defamation debate. pic.twitter.com/soDCf6CNLT
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 12, 2025
Commentary:
AOC just made a colossal error in judgment.
Her reckless use of the word “rapist” in reference to Trump—especially in a public social media post—goes far beyond political theater.
This wasn’t a vague implication or a slip of the tongue; it was a clear, defamatory accusation without legal grounding.
The courts have already ruled that Trump was not found liable for rape.
That didn’t stop George Stephanopoulos from saying otherwise—and it cost ABC $15 million.
AOC seems to have missed the memo. Her defenders claim she didn’t use Trump’s name, but let’s be real: everyone knew exactly who she meant.
What’s different this time is that her comment didn’t come from the House floor, where members of Congress are protected by speech and debate immunity.
She made this accusation from her personal X account, meaning she’s legally exposed. That opens the door wide for Trump’s legal team to strike. And they should.
Trump has a track record of defending his name in court—and winning. Stephanopoulos and ABC are already licking their wounds. Why should AOC get a pass?
She peddled a provably false and damaging statement under the guise of public discourse. This is about more than Trump.
It’s about the complete lack of accountability from politicians on the far-left who think social media is a free-for-all for slander.
The double standard is glaring: if a Republican had posted something this inflammatory about a Democrat, the media would be in full meltdown mode.
It’s high time someone on that side faces real consequences for their words. AOC should be sued—into oblivion, if that’s what it takes to set a precedent.
Let this be a warning: truth still matters. Words have weight.
And defamation—especially when weaponized in politics—deserves to be punished in court, no matter who says it.
The Bottom Line:
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s decision to publicly label Trump a “rapist” has triggered legal and political blowback.
With recent precedent showing these types of defamation claims can succeed, she may be vulnerable to a major lawsuit.
If Trump pursues legal action, it could become a landmark case for reining in slanderous political rhetoric in the social media era.
Accountability may finally be coming.
Read Next
Jasmine Crockett Claims People Vote The Wrong Way Because They’re ‘Uneducated’
Trump Gives ICE Agents Sweeping New Powers After Violent Incidents
LA Mayor Bass Orders City Officials to Actively Thwart ICE Raids, Gives Cash to Illegals
Judge Bypasses SCOTUS Limits, Grants Sweeping Injunction Against Trump Birthright Citizenship Order
