Republican calls out AOC’s ‘Bronx girl’ claim with Yorktown yearbook
State Assemblyman Matt Slater, a Republican lawmaker from New York, recently called out Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat representing parts of the Bronx and Queens, over her self-proclaimed tough “Bronx girl” identity. The heated exchange occurred during an online spat between Ocasio-Cortez and President Donald Trump.
Slater shared a throwback image of Ocasio-Cortez from her high school days at suburban Yorktown High School, located nearly an hour away from the Bronx. This move was in response to Ocasio-Cortez’s assertion of her Bronx roots during the social media feud with Trump.
The clash between Ocasio-Cortez and Trump began when she called for his impeachment following his decision to order strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. In a scathing post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Ocasio-Cortez, labeling her as “stupid” and one of the “dumbest” individuals in Congress. He further questioned her qualifications for office and compared her to other politicians.
In retaliation, Ocasio-Cortez took to social media to fire back at Trump’s remarks. She emphasized her Bronx upbringing and asserted her resilience by stating, “I’m a Bronx girl. You should know that we can eat Queens boys for breakfast. Respectfully.”
Slater, a fellow alum of Yorktown High School, used the yearbook image to question Ocasio-Cortez’s Bronx roots, highlighting the disparity between her claimed identity and her upbringing in a suburban area. The back-and-forth between the two lawmakers sparked further debate on social media platforms.
Ocasio-Cortez has often emphasized her Bronx heritage, despite spending a significant portion of her life in Yorktown Heights, a suburb in Westchester County. She has acknowledged her mother’s hard work and sacrifices to provide her with better educational opportunities in a different neighborhood.
The ongoing feud between Ocasio-Cortez and Trump, as well as the scrutiny of her upbringing by Slater, underscores the political tensions and personal narratives that shape public perceptions of elected officials. The clash serves as a reminder of the complexities of identity and representation in the realm of politics.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Ocasio-Cortez and her critics will navigate the intersection of personal history and political rhetoric in the public eye. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of lawmakers like Ocasio-Cortez contribute to the dynamic landscape of American politics, reflecting the multifaceted nature of democracy in action.
