NY Times Downplays AOC's Incoherent Moments at Munich Security Conference

Media rushes to defend Congresswoman's controversial statements at high-profile global event.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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After Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made some widely criticized and incoherent statements during her appearance at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, the New York Times was quick to downplay the incidents, describing them as merely "slight stumbles" rather than the embarrassing display many observers saw.

Why it matters

AOC's performance at the high-profile global event raised concerns about her grasp of foreign policy issues, but the New York Times' soft coverage suggests the media is willing to provide political cover for Democratic politicians, even when they struggle on the national stage.

The details

In one exchange, AOC appeared confused when asked about whether the US should commit troops to defend Taiwan, responding with an incoherent string of "ums" and "uhs". In another moment, she made a cryptic statement about seeking a "return to a rules-based order that eliminates the hypocrisies around when too often in the west we look the other way for inconvenient populations". These comments were widely mocked online, but the New York Times described them as merely "slight stumbles".

  • On February 13, 2026, AOC made the controversial statements at the Munich Security Conference.
  • On February 14, 2026, the New York Times published its coverage downplaying AOC's performance.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic Congresswoman from New York who is seen as a rising star in the party, but whose performance at the Munich Security Conference raised concerns about her grasp of foreign policy issues.

New York Times

A major US newspaper that was criticized for providing political cover for AOC by downplaying her controversial and incoherent statements at the Munich Security Conference.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen if AOC's performance at the Munich Security Conference will have any lasting impact on her political future, but the New York Times' coverage suggests the media may continue to provide her with favorable treatment.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the media's willingness to shield Democratic politicians from criticism, even when their statements and actions raise legitimate concerns about their competence and qualifications. The public deserves honest, unbiased reporting, not partisan spin.