Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders Rally Against Identity Politics

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., urged rally attendees not to fall for Republican attempts to divide them along racial lines or sow discord based on identity and culture. Despite President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to eliminate identity politics from public and private spheres, AOC emphasized unity and solidarity at a “Fighting Oligarchy” rally in Idaho.

The progressive lawmaker, known for her role in the “Squad,” joined forces with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., for the event, part of a nationwide tour to raise awareness about economic inequality and corporate influence in politics.

“The only way they can push through their unpopular and harmful agenda is by fostering deep divisions based on race, identity, and culture to keep us at odds with each other. That strategy won’t work anymore,” AOC declared to the crowd. “Let’s not allow them to deceive us into thinking we are enemies. Let’s not allow them to weaken us by trying to separate us into rural vs. urban, black vs. white, or Latino vs. others.”

The rally, focused on denouncing billionaire oligarchs such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and President Trump, highlighted the detrimental effects of wealth concentration and corporate influence on society. Trump’s administration has been actively working to remove identity politics from various sectors, a move criticized by AOC and Sanders.

Political analyst Eddie Glaude pointed out that identity politics played a significant role in former Vice President Kamala Harris’ failed bid for the presidency, underscoring the complexities of diversity and representation in politics.

Trump’s executive actions against identity politics have targeted areas like the military, education, and government hiring practices. His administration has sought to eliminate what they view as discriminatory programs that prioritize factors like race and gender over merit and qualifications.

Michael Thompson stands by a pair of Trump flags as attendees line up to enter the “Fighting Oligarchy” event at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho, on April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Green)

By challenging the status quo and advocating for a more equitable society, AOC and Sanders are pushing back against efforts to dismantle progress in areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their message of unity and resistance to divisive tactics resonates with supporters across the country.

As the debate over identity politics continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the political landscape will evolve and whether calls for unity will prevail over attempts to sow discord and division.