Ocasio-Cortez Tries To Sabotage Trump Primetime Address

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday that television networks should carefully consider whether to broadcast President Donald Trump’s planned primetime address if it contains claims about election fraud that are not supported by evidence.

Speaking with MeidasTouch reporter Pablo Manriquez, Ocasio-Cortez was asked about reports that Trump’s Thursday speech will focus on the 2020 election and include newly declassified intelligence that the administration says relates to foreign interference and election security.

Ocasio-Cortez said news organizations have a responsibility to avoid amplifying claims they cannot verify. She noted that many broadcasters receive transcripts before major presidential speeches and argued that media outlets should not air statements that undermine confidence in elections unless they are supported by credible evidence.

“I don’t think we should be contributing to the platforming of lies about our elections,” Ocasio-Cortez said, adding that her view would ultimately depend on the contents of Trump’s address.

Trump first announced the primetime speech earlier this week, describing it as a major announcement centered on elections and voting integrity. Administration officials have indicated the president is expected to discuss recently declassified intelligence related to past election investigations and alleged vulnerabilities in voting systems.

The planned address has drawn criticism from some media commentators. MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace said she expects Trump to repeat claims that the 2020 election was improperly decided, while questioning the administration’s planned use of newly declassified intelligence. Wallace argued that the president was attempting to revisit allegations that have previously been disputed.

Separate reports have also suggested the administration may challenge the legitimacy of the elections of Democratic Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock of Georgia by citing allegations related to election irregularities. Those claims have previously been rejected by election officials and courts.