AOC Criticizes Rubio's Comments on Cowboy Culture Origins

Ocasio-Cortez suggests Rubio's remarks about Spanish influence on American cowboy culture are dismissive of Mexican and African American contributions.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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During an event at the Munich Security Conference, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) criticized remarks made by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) about the Spanish origins of American cowboy culture. Ocasio-Cortez suggested that Rubio's comments were a "pure appeal to Western culture" and that "the Mexicans and descendants of African slave— enslaved peoples would like to have a word on that." She went on to discuss broader issues of inequality, wealth distribution, and cultural change.

Why it matters

Ocasio-Cortez's comments highlight ongoing debates around the representation of diverse cultural influences in American history and the political dynamics surrounding issues of inequality and wealth distribution.

The details

In his remarks at the Munich Security Conference, Rubio discussed the Spanish origins of elements of American culture, including the "romance of the cowboy archetype" and the naming of cities like New York. Ocasio-Cortez took issue with this, suggesting that Rubio was dismissive of the contributions of Mexicans and African Americans to American culture and history. She also used Rubio's comments as a springboard to discuss broader themes of inequality, wealth distribution, and cultural change.

  • On Saturday, Sen. Marco Rubio made remarks at the Munich Security Conference discussing the Spanish influence on American culture.
  • On Sunday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responded to Rubio's comments during an event at the conference.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 14th congressional district, known for her progressive policy positions and outspoken criticism of economic inequality.

Marco Rubio

A Republican member of the U.S. Senate from Florida, known for his conservative political views and his remarks on the Spanish influence on American culture.

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What they’re saying

“He said that American cowboys came from Spain. I believe the Mexicans and descendants of African slave— enslaved peoples would like to have a word on that.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative (The Gateway Pundit)

The takeaway

Ocasio-Cortez's comments highlight the ongoing debates around the representation of diverse cultural influences in American history and the political dynamics surrounding issues of inequality and wealth distribution.