New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ignites controversy by calling Elon Musk “not smart,” sparking a fierce debate about intelligence and public perception.
At a Glance
- AOC criticizes Elon Musk as “not smart” during Instagram live video
- Musk’s supporters defend his intelligence, citing SpaceX and tech innovations
- AOC’s comments follow Musk’s actions related to USAID
- Critics mock AOC’s statements, calling them ironic
- Debate highlights influence of personal opinions on public perception
AOC’s Controversial Comments
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has stirred up a hornet’s nest with her recent comments about tech billionaire Elon Musk. During a 92-minute Instagram live video, the New York Democrat unleashed a scathing critique of Musk, describing him as “not smart” and an “unintelligent billionaire.” Her remarks have ignited a fierce debate about intelligence, success, and the role of public figures in shaping societal discourse.
“This dude is probably one of the most unintelligent billionaires I have ever met or seen or witnessed,” AOC said.
AOC’s criticism of Musk extended beyond mere intelligence. She expressed concerns about his influence and decision-making, suggesting that his actions could lead to negative consequences. These comments come in the wake of Musk’s recent involvement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an organization that has been accused of working closely with Democrats.
Backlash and Debate
The backlash to AOC’s comments was swift and intense. Musk’s supporters were quick to defend his intelligence, pointing to his leadership of SpaceX and his pioneering work in advanced technology. Many critics mocked AOC’s statements, calling them ironic and humorous given Musk’s track record of innovation and business success.
This incident has reignited discussions about AOC’s previous controversial statement that being morally right is more important than being factually correct. Her critics argue that this stance undermines her credibility when making assessments about others’ intelligence or capabilities.
USAID Controversy
AOC’s comments about Musk are set against the backdrop of recent developments involving USAID. Musk claimed that President Trump had agreed to shut down the agency, leading to significant disruptions. Thousands of USAID personnel have reportedly been let go, and operations have been halted since Trump took office. Over 600 USAID employees were locked out of the agency’s computer systems, and the headquarters was closed to personnel.
The controversy surrounding USAID highlights the significant role the agency plays in global assistance. In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. disbursed $72 billion in global assistance, providing 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the UN in 2024. The potential dismantling of such a crucial agency has raised concerns about the impact on international aid and America’s role in global humanitarian efforts.
