Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ocasio-Cortez Faces Backlash Over Venezuela Comments at TEDx

2/16/2026

37 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) claimed at a TEDx event at the Technical University of Berlin that Venezuela is "below the equator."
She criticized the U.S. capture of former dictator Nicolas Maduro and argued against engaging in acts of war.
Ocasio-Cortez faced significant backlash and canceled media appearances afterward.
During her Munich Security Conference appearance, she did not dismiss the possibility of running for president in 2028.

1 of 1

Story summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) claimed at a TEDx event at the Technical University of Berlin that Venezuela is "below the equator."
She criticized the U.S. capture of former dictator Nicolas Maduro and argued against engaging in acts of war.
Ocasio-Cortez faced significant backlash and canceled media appearances afterward.
During her Munich Security Conference appearance, she did not dismiss the possibility of running for president in 2028.