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• Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has announced she will not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, citing serious allegations against him.
• AOC criticized Trump and his administration, labeling the upcoming term as the rise of “21st-century fascism.”
• She also targeted TikTok for what she sees as collaboration with Trump, despite him being a private citizen.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

On the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to Instagram to express her strong opposition to the event and the incoming administration. She emphasized her refusal to attend the inauguration, stating, “I don’t celebrate rapists.”

Core Players

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – U.S. Representative for New York’s 14th congressional district
• Donald Trump – President-elect of the United States
• TikTok – Social media platform owned by ByteDance
• Meta – Parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

Key Numbers

• 2023: The year Donald Trump was found liable in a civil case for sexual abuse and defamation.
• 1 million: The amount Mark Zuckerberg donated to Trump’s inaugural fund, according to AOC.
• 2025: The year of Trump’s second inauguration, which AOC will not attend.

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The Catalyst

AOC’s decision to skip the inauguration is rooted in her strong condemnation of Trump’s alleged actions. She referred to the allegations made by writer E. Jean Carroll, who won a civil case against Trump in 2023 for sexual abuse and defamation.

AOC also criticized TikTok for a notification that thanked “President Trump” for potentially reinstating the app, suggesting this as evidence of TikTok collaborating with Trump before he takes office.

Inside Forces

AOC’s rant on Instagram highlighted her concerns about the rise of authoritarianism and the potential misuse of social media platforms like TikTok and Meta. She warned that these platforms could be used as propaganda tools for right-wing agendas.

Her comments also touched on the broader political climate, drawing parallels with Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, where there have been crackdowns on democratic institutions and media control.

Power Dynamics

The power dynamics at play involve AOC’s influence as a vocal member of Congress and her ability to shape public discourse. Her refusal to attend the inauguration is a symbolic stand against what she perceives as Trump’s harmful policies and personal conduct.

Trump’s influence, despite being a private citizen until inauguration, is evident in his ability to affect decisions like TikTok’s reinstatement, according to AOC’s claims.

Outside Impact

AOC’s stance has broader implications for the political landscape. Her accusations against Trump and her criticism of social media platforms resonate with her base and may influence public opinion.

The reaction from Trump supporters and other stakeholders has been divisive, with some calling for legal action against AOC for her remarks while others support her right to free speech.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, AOC’s actions and statements may inspire other politicians to take similar stands against what they see as authoritarian or unjust policies. The ongoing battle over social media regulation and its impact on political discourse will likely continue.

The upcoming term under Trump’s administration is expected to be marked by significant political and regulatory changes, particularly in the tech sector, which could shape the future of digital communication and governance.

Data Points

• Jan. 20, 2025: The date of Trump’s second inauguration.
• 2023: The year Trump was found liable in a civil case for sexual abuse and defamation.
• 1 million: The amount Mark Zuckerberg donated to Trump’s inaugural fund, as alleged by AOC.
• TikTok’s brief U.S. ban and potential reinstatement under Trump’s administration.