AOC's 'Ankle Monitor' Remark Ignites Conservative Fury

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faces backlash for her 'ankle monitor' comment and mockery of Justice Samuel Alito on social media, drawing condemnation from conservatives who accuse her of ignorance and hypocrisy.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has ignited a firestorm on social media with her disparaging remarks about Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and her use of the term "ankle monitor" to refer to potential consequences for former President Donald Trump.

Ocasio-Cortez ignited the controversy when she commented on a post by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who had shared an image of an upside-down American flag following Trump's conviction for falsifying business records. Ocasio-Cortez questioned if Alito had inspired Greene's actions, sarcastically asking, "Who did you learn that from, Samuel Alito?"

Ocasio-Cortez's tweet referenced a recent New York Times article that suggested the upside-down flag was a symbol adopted by some Trump supporters disputing the results of the 2020 presidential election. However, the Washington Post later reported that the flag was raised by Alito's wife in response to a neighbor's use of offensive language, not as a political statement.

Alito himself has stated that he was unaware of the upside-down flag until it was brought to his attention and immediately asked his wife to remove it. Despite these clarifications, Ocasio-Cortez has demanded an investigation into Alito's conduct.

Conservatives on social media have reacted with fury to Ocasio-Cortez's remarks. The term "ankle monitor" has been used in the context of potential criminal charges against Trump, and Ocasio-Cortez's use of it has been widely condemned as insensitive.

Conservative activist Brigitte Gabriel accused Ocasio-Cortez of neglecting her district, while talk show host Joe Pagliarulo challenged her to debate with Greene instead of resorting to social media attacks. Lawyer and political commentator Joseph McBride invoked Native American usage of the upside-down flag, labeling Ocasio-Cortez a "communist wench."

The conservative account "End Wokeness" mocked Ocasio-Cortez with a fabricated Babylon Bee article titled "AOC Demands To Know Where Alito Bought An Upside-Down U.S. Flag."

The controversy has further divided the political landscape, with conservatives accusing Ocasio-Cortez of ignorance and hypocrisy, while her supporters defend her right to criticize political opponents. It remains to be seen whether the issue will continue to garner attention or if it will fade into the background as new controversies emerge.