Republican Assemblyman Daniel Roberts has spotlighted the suburban upbringing of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D‑NY), citing yearbook photos from her high school years as part of an ongoing public feud with President Donald Trump.
Roberts surfaced images purportedly showing Ocasio-Cortez dressed in cheerleading attire and involved in student council activities during her time at Yorktown High School in Westchester County. He argued these details contrast sharply with her progressive image and recent criticism of Trump’s comments, suggesting a disconnect between her political narrative and personal background.
The Assemblyman stated his intent was not to undermine Ocasio-Cortez but to highlight what he described as “a pattern of messaging inconsistency.” He emphasized that suburban middle-class values form part of her identity and should be acknowledged in the debate, particularly as Trump and Ocasio-Cortez exchanged barbs on education policies and elite privilege.
In response, AOC’s office declined to comment on the yearbook evidence directly but reiterated her focus on advocating for working-class communities and progressive reforms. Meanwhile, her supporters defended her, noting that one’s upbringing does not dictate policy priorities, and accused critics of attempting to distract from substantive issues.
The episode adds another layer to the simmering exchange between the former president and the progressive congresswoman, playing out amid preparations for the 2026 midterm elections and ongoing ideological battles within the Democratic Party.
With input from Fox News
