AOC Rips Apart Charlie Kirk as She Calls Him ‘Uneducated’ after Voting ‘No’ Against Resolution Honoring Conservative Influencer

Progressive leader Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed Charlie Kirk in a Capitol Hill speech after Congress voted to honor the late conservative activist. The House passed a resolution on Friday to honor Kirk and his legacy, with strong bipartisan backing. The measure passed by a vote of 310 to 58, with Democratic leaders joining Republicans in support.

However, AOC broke ranks, voting against the resolution along with fellow “Squad” members Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. After the vote, Ocasio-Cortez’s trademark fiery style was on full display as she took to the House floor to deliver sharp criticism of Kirk — just nine days after his shocking broad-daylight murder.

Inhuman Attitude

“Charlie Kirk’s assassination was a horrific and vile attack,” the lawmaker began, before adding, “We should be clear about who Charlie Kirk was… His rhetoric and beliefs were ignorant, uneducated, and sought to disenfranchise millions of Americans.”

AOC argued that Congress must put an end to “the government’s attempt to weaponize this moment into an all-out assault on free speech … All in the name of Charlie Kirk.”

Her comments sparked immediate backlash from conservatives, highlighting the deep polarization that would likely follow if she were to pursue a White House run.

“AOC is trashing Charlie Kirk right now on the House floor,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene posted on X. “She is lying about him and again repeating the same vile garbage at the same time … There is no way forward with these people.”

The progressive’s criticism of Kirk’s legacy came just hours after reports surfaced that AOC and her advisors are laying the groundwork for a possible presidential run.

The New York Democrat, 35, will meet the age requirement to run for Senate or the White House in 2028, and according to Axios, her team is preparing so she can decide which path to take.

Since arriving in Congress in 2019, the outspoken Green New Deal advocate and former bartender has quickly risen to national prominence. With her massive social media presence, bold progressive message, and working-class background, she often clashes with the more traditional and older wing of her party.

AOC has mastered the art of livestreaming her political beliefs to millions on Instagram and drawing tens of thousands to sold-out rallies — events that some say resemble Donald Trump’s high-energy MAGA gatherings.

Leading from the Front

As Democrats regroup after losing the White House to Trump, many within the party are hungry for a fresh direction. AOC’s influence has already shown signs of reshaping the left, especially after the success of New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist she endorsed earlier this year.

But her meteoric rise also hints at possible battles ahead. Should she aim for the Senate, she could face off against longtime New York power broker Chuck Schumer in 2028 — unless, of course, she sets her sights on an even bigger stage.

AOC is increasingly being seen as the undisputed leader of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, which continues to gain popularity.

This year, she joined forces with Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont for their nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, drawing thousands at campaign-style stops in Colorado, Arizona, California, and Nevada. One rally in Los Angeles this past April attracted an astonishing 36,000 people.

AOC is currently ranked as the second most likely Democratic presidential nominee in 2028, just behind California Governor Gavin Newsom, according to prediction site Kalshi. Some insiders even believe she may challenge Newsom directly to ensure the progressive movement has a strong voice in the primaries, Axios reported.

Her grassroots appeal far outpaces many of her peers, fueled by her enormous online presence — nearly 37 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, X, Bluesky, and Facebook combined.

Beyond national politics, AOC has also been building influence closer to home, holding events across New York well outside her Bronx district to expand her reach and strengthen her base.

At a summer event in Plattsburgh, N.Y., AOC told the crowd, “We are here because every town, every city, every neighborhood in this state matters. Every corner matters. No one deserves to be ignored.”

Her growing influence has also made her a special target of Donald Trump, who often takes shots at her intelligence and policy positions on social media.