Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s recent comments about Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro garnered significant attention, and not for the right reasons.
During her appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” she claimed that U.S. forces couldn’t capture Maduro because he is “below the equator.” This assertion is not merely incorrect; it reflects a deeper misunderstanding of both geography and foreign policy. Ocasio-Cortez was discussing the influx of Venezuelan migrants to the United States, but the reasoning she provided for not targeting Maduro was puzzling.
Venezuela is located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, its capital, Caracas, sitting about 10.5° N latitude. The mischaracterization of Maduro’s location raises eyebrows and questions the congresswoman’s grasp of fundamental geographical concepts at a time when her views on international issues are under scrutiny. A critic on social media captured the public reaction, bluntly stating: “Dumb as a box of rocks. Venezuela is above the equator.”
This gaffe comes amid Ocasio-Cortez’s pattern of controversial statements regarding U.S. sanctions on the Maduro regime, which she argues contribute to the migration crisis. She remarked, “U.S. sanctions that were originally authored by Marco Rubio … certainly took a large part in the driving of populations to our southern border.” While she points to U.S. sanctions as a primary factor behind the migration wave, she fails to address the oppressive conditions created by the Maduro regime itself.
New York City has experienced a surge of over 110,000 migrants since the spring of 2022, many being Venezuelans fleeing a government responsible for catastrophic economic collapse, political repression, and widespread human suffering. Mayor Eric Adams has termed the situation a humanitarian crisis and is seeking federal assistance to deal with the strain on city services. Yet, Ocasio-Cortez’s approach seems to sidestep accountability for Maduro’s actions—elements that have directly contributed to the turmoil.
Even as millions escape Venezuela’s dire conditions—over 7.7 million on the run from violence and food shortages—Ocasio-Cortez instead mentions geography as a barrier. This notion highlights an alarming disconnect between her comments and the realities of U.S. military capabilities. The United States has conducted successful operations in regions far below the equator, undermining the idea that geography limits U.S. influence where it sees national interests at stake.
Furthermore, Ocasio-Cortez suggested in a separate post that the motives behind potential U.S. action against Maduro might be driven by oil rather than humanitarian concerns. She stated, “It’s not about drugs … It’s about oil and regime change.” This claim echoes sentiments from some Latin American leaders but downplays substantial evidence linking the Maduro government to narcotics trafficking and systemic corruption. U.S. officials have indicted Venezuelan elites on charges related to narco-terrorism, indicating the severity of the issue.
National security concerns regarding Venezuela extend beyond conjecture. The U.S. government has classified fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, acknowledging its role in the growing opioid crisis in the country. The pathways for drug trafficking, often involving Venezuelan networks, illustrate a legitimate threat that cannot be overlooked.
Ocasio-Cortez’s geographic blunder raises doubts about her understanding of these issues and casts a shadow over her proposals to ease sanctions on a regime she recognizes as harmful. Her admission that Maduro is “absolutely responsible for the influx” creates a contradiction. It raises questions about her advocacy for policies that might relieve pressure on a government she verbally condemns.
Amid these contentious discussions, Ocasio-Cortez also mentioned considering trading in her Tesla for a union-made vehicle, piquing the curiosity of an audience already questioning her priorities. “Our [Tesla] was purchased during the pandemic … We’re actually looking into trading in our car now,” she said. This remark comes across as somewhat tone-deaf given the gravity of the migrant crisis facing her constituents.
As the situation continues to spiral, Ocasio-Cortez’s statements reflect more than just one-off errors. They highlight an apparent lack of seriousness about the implications of U.S. policy and the immense challenges presented by the ongoing migrant crisis. With border cities and various communities facing mounting pressures, her remarks serve as a signal to many that the complexities of these issues require careful consideration and informed dialogue.
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