Overview
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told a University of Chicago Institute of Politics audience Friday that the American Revolution was against the “billionaires” of the era during a conversation with David Axelrod.
- Sen. Mike Lee and Sen. Ted Cruz led public pushback, arguing the revolt opposed an intrusive British government and taxation without representation rather than wealthy colonists.
- Critics pointed to the fortunes of figures like George Washington and merchants such as John Hancock and financier Robert Morris as evidence the war was not waged against rich Americans.
- The comment fits her recent focus on extreme wealth, following a podcast claim that “you can’t earn a billion dollars,” and she told attendees the tax system helps build an oligarchy.
- Right-leaning outlets amplified the criticism and reported no retraction from Ocasio-Cortez, framing the episode as part of her broader anti-billionaire message.