Ocasio-Cortez Ties Income Inequality to Rise of Authoritarians

The progressive New York congresswoman argued at a security conference that extreme wealth gaps lead to social instability and far-right populism.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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At the Munich Security Conference, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York tied worsening income inequality to the rise of authoritarianism, arguing that 'extreme levels of income inequality lead to social instability' and that everyday people were turning away from democracy because wealthy elites had failed to address their needs. Ocasio-Cortez urged the U.S. to deepen its bonds with allies and recommit to global aid efforts, in contrast to President Trump's isolationist policies.

Why it matters

Ocasio-Cortez's message at the high-profile security conference signals her growing influence as a progressive leader within the Democratic party, as she seeks to tie domestic economic issues to global security concerns. Her comments come as Democrats position themselves as a counterweight to Trump's 'America First' approach and seek to reassure U.S. allies.

The details

At a panel on populism, Ocasio-Cortez argued that 'extreme levels of income inequality lead to social instability' and that people were turning to authoritarianism because 'wealthy elites had failed to address their needs.' She urged the U.S. to deepen ties with allies and recommit to global aid, in contrast to Trump's isolationist policies. Ocasio-Cortez also suggested that monopolistic corporations and billionaires were 'throwing their weight around in domestic politics and in global politics as well.'

  • Ocasio-Cortez spoke at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A progressive Democratic congresswoman from New York who has become a prominent voice on economic issues.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whose 'America First' policies and isolationist approach Ocasio-Cortez criticized.

Katrin Bennhold

A New York Times reporter who moderated the panel Ocasio-Cortez spoke on.

Petr Pavel

The president of the Czech Republic, who also participated in the panel.

Manfred Weber

The president of the European People's Party, who also participated in the panel.

Daiana Fernández Molero

A member of the Argentine legislature, who also participated in the panel.

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What they’re saying

“Extreme levels of income inequality lead to social instability”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Congresswoman

“So when you run for president, how are you going to impose a wealth tax?”

— Katrin Bennhold, New York Times Reporter

“She's strong. It's important that voices like her become powerful.”

— Düzen Tekkal, German Human Rights Activist

“If I put the picture with her on Twitter, probably many people will say, 'Oh, you're with a socialist, with a leftist.' But I'll post it anyway. I mean, she's A.O.C.!”

— Daiana Fernández Molero, Argentine Legislator

What’s next

Ocasio-Cortez's comments at the Munich Security Conference have fueled speculation about her potential future political ambitions, including a possible presidential run. However, she laughed off a direct question about running for president, indicating she is not currently planning a White House bid.

The takeaway

Ocasio-Cortez's message at the high-profile security conference underscores how progressive Democrats are seeking to tie domestic economic issues like inequality to broader global challenges. Her visibility on the world stage also signals her growing influence within the party as a counterweight to Trump-era isolationism.