AOC’s False Accusation of Fascism: Backlash on GOP’s Tennessee Expulsion of Democrats

Recently, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has come under fire for a tweet that critics say is “inciting violence” and accusing the Republican party of fascism. This tweet followed the Tennessee House’s decision to expel two Democratic lawmakers for disrupting House proceedings while advocating for gun reform. Ocasio-Cortez shared a video of protesters chanting “F— you fascists” to GOP lawmakers following the expulsion vote on Twitter.

Tennessee Democrats Presenting a False Narrative with Racism Claims

Tennessee Speaker of the House, Cameron Sexton, has responded by accusing Tennessee Democratic Representative Justin Jones and Justin Pearson of “disorderly behavior” after they stormed the state Capitol building with anti-gun protesters. The lawmakers interrupted House proceedings and led chants of “no justice, no peace” on the floor, demanding action on gun control. The lawmakers were first stripped of committee assignments for their participation in the protest and then faced the expulsion vote on Thursday. A third Democrat, Representative Gloria Johnson, narrowly avoided expulsion.

Critics Calling Out AOC’s Misuse of Fascism

Critics of Ocasio-Cortez have slammed her for labeling the expulsion of the two Democratic lawmakers as “fascism.” Justin Haskins of The Heartland Institute’s Socialism Research Center responded to her tweet, saying, “Do you have any idea what ‘fascism’ means? You do know that it’s a LEFTIST ideology, right?” Club for Growth senior analyst Andrew Follett also criticized her, saying, “Because demanding the expulsion of a political opponent from a legislative body is only an ‘assault on democracy’ when the wrong side does it. It’s (D)ifferent when they do it.”

A Call for Violence?

Many have also expressed concern over Ocasio-Cortez’s tweet, with some accusing her of inciting violence. Conservative radio host Kim Klacik asked if she was advocating for violence, while actor Nick Searcy called it a “call for violence.”

Ocasio-Cortez’s accusation of fascism in response to the Tennessee House’s decision to expel two Democratic lawmakers for disrupting House proceedings while advocating for gun reform has been met with criticism. Some have accused her of inciting violence, while others have called out her misuse of the term “fascism.”