Trump gives backhanded praise to AOC on Fox News, cites 2028 ambitions
In a Sunday Briefing appearance, the former president complimented Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez while criticizing her policy views and noting potential future campaigns.
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump offered a tepid compliment toward Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Fox News, saying she has a little something that’s good but that her philosophy is bad for the country. He also said he would be nice to AOC if they ever meet, noting that he has not yet had a chance to do so.
On the debut episode of Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, Trump pressed the balance between civility and critique, telling host Peter Doocy that he has mixed feelings about the self-described democratic socialist who has become a frequent target of his rhetoric. “Her philosophy’s so bad; she’s got a little spunk. She’s got a little something that’s good,” Trump said, according to a transcript and coverage of the interview. He added, “I don’t think her philosophy can come close to winning.” He also recalled the 2018 primary against Joe Crowley, noting, “You know, Joe, you’re going to lose this thing unless you go out and campaign.”
The exchange came as Ocasio-Cortez continues to weigh a potential bid for higher office in 2028, with Axios reporting that she could eye the presidency or the Senate. Trump cited the report, using it to frame his criticism of her prospects and to contrast his own political fortunes with those of a rising member of the Democratic left.
Ocasio-Cortez has been one of Trump’s most outspoken congressional critics. In recent years, the lawmaker has repeatedly accused the former president of racism and xenophobia and has even referred to him as a fascist in public comments. The exchange is a reminder of the unusual tension that persists between Trump and a member of the so-called Squad, whose political brand helped reshape Democratic messaging in 2018 and beyond.
Trump has, in turn, assailed Ocasio-Cortez’s intelligence, calling her “one of the ‘dumbest’ people in Congress” and saying she is “stupid.” Those barbs contrast with his latest attempt at civility, though aides and political observers caution that any overt praise from Trump toward his opponents is rare and often tempered by a broader political calculation.
The discussion also touched on the 2028 horizon for both parties. Ocasio-Cortez’s openness about a possible presidential run could set up a clash with senior Democrats in New York, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, should he seek another term. For now, Ocasio-Cortez’s camp did not respond to a request for comment.
