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AOC Faces Legal Firestorm After Accusing Trump of Rape in Social Media Post
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has come under intense legal and political scrutiny after referring to former President Donald Trump as a “rapist” in a post on social media.
The comment, posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, appeared to link Trump directly to the delayed release of the long-awaited Epstein files.
“Wow who would have thought that electing a rapist would have complicated the release of the Epstein Files,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote.
Public Backlash and Legal Concerns
Critics immediately condemned the post, arguing that the accusation is not supported by any criminal conviction. Several legal experts noted that calling someone a rapist without a criminal ruling could constitute defamation, even when the speaker is a public official.
One user responded, “This is libel and an easily winnable case.” Another pointed out, “As a congresswoman, you should know better. This is defamatory.”
Trump has never been criminally convicted of rape or any sexual assault charges. While he has faced multiple allegations over the years, none have led to criminal charges or a conviction.
Civil Trial Confusion Fuels Controversy
Some confusion stems from the civil trial involving writer E. Jean Carroll. In May 2023, a jury found Trump not liable for rape under New York law but did rule that he had committed sexual abuse. However, civil rulings do not equate to criminal convictions.
Despite this distinction, Ocasio-Cortez has repeatedly referred to Trump as a rapist in public forums. In January 2025, she posted a TikTok video explaining her refusal to attend the presidential inauguration, saying, “I don’t celebrate rapists.”
Legal Experts Warn of Defamation Risk
Legal analysts are now weighing in, questioning whether AOC’s statements could open the door to a defamation lawsuit. Public figures have been sued in the past for making similar claims. The legal risk increases due to AOC’s massive online following and political influence.
Some Republican commentators are even calling for Trump to take legal action, comparing the situation to Trump’s $15 million lawsuit win against ABC and George Stephanopoulos earlier this year for a similar accusation.
Broader Implications and Media Reaction
The statement has sparked waves across social media and cable news. Supporters say AOC is standing up for survivors and highlighting systemic failures. Opponents say she’s weaponizing serious allegations for political gain.
Multiple outlets, including The Hill, NY Post, and The Daily Beast, have reported on the potential fallout. The backlash is especially significant given the renewed public interest in the Epstein files and government transparency.
What Comes Next?
It’s unclear whether Trump’s legal team will pursue defamation action. But the uproar suggests that public officials may soon face greater accountability for unchecked statements—especially those made online.
One thing is clear: This controversy is far from over.
