Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sparked backlash after openly arguing that economic pain should be used as political leverage.
In a widely shared clip, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed Democrats are seen as “weak” and suggested that “next time we just need to hurt working people and working Americans more to get them to fold.”
Critics say the remark exposes an attitude that treats economic hardship not as a problem to solve, but as a tool to pressure voters into submission.
The statement quickly circulated online, with many arguing it confirms long-held concerns that progressive economic policies often rely on coercion rather than consent — and that working Americans are viewed as collateral damage in ideological battles.
