CNN Panel Debates Ocasio-Cortez's Munich Conference Remarks

Conservatives and supporters clash over the New York lawmaker's foreign policy stumbles

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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CNN panelists engaged in a heated debate over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D-N.Y.) performance at the Munich Security Conference, where she made several mistakes in discussing foreign policy and diplomacy. While some defended Ocasio-Cortez as expanding her policy interests, others criticized her for not being prepared and sounding 'terrible' for a brief period.

Why it matters

Ocasio-Cortez's remarks at the high-profile global conference have sparked a partisan debate over her foreign policy knowledge and ability to represent the U.S. on the world stage, raising questions about the preparedness of some members of Congress on international issues.

The details

At the Munich Security Conference, Ocasio-Cortez mistakenly referred to Venezuela as being 'below the equator' and hesitated to answer a question about whether U.S. troops should defend Taiwan if China invades. Former President Trump and Vice President Vance criticized her performance, calling it 'not a good look' and 'embarrassing' for the U.S. The CNN panel discussion featured a clash between conservatives and Ocasio-Cortez supporters, with some defending her as expanding her policy interests and others arguing she should have been better prepared.

  • Ocasio-Cortez made the remarks at the Munich Security Conference on February 18, 2026.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic U.S. Representative from New York's 14th congressional district who made several foreign policy missteps during a speech at the Munich Security Conference.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who criticized Ocasio-Cortez's remarks as 'not a good look' for the U.S.

Mike Vance

The former Vice President of the United States who called Ocasio-Cortez's performance at the conference 'embarrassing.'

Ana Navarro

A CNN political commentator who defended Ocasio-Cortez, stating that she is 'not a foreign policy expert.'

Kevin O'Leary

An investor and 'Shark Tank' business personality who criticized Ocasio-Cortez's performance, saying she 'sounded like' former Vice President Kamala Harris.

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What they’re saying

“Listen, stumbling over your words for 15 seconds is not the same as being incoherent or uneducated on foreign policy.”

— Leigh McGowan, Podcast host (CNN)

“She's not a foreign policy expert.”

— Ana Navarro, CNN political commentator (CNN)

“You're right. She was fabulous.”

— Kevin O'Leary, Investor and 'Shark Tank' personality (CNN)

“Let's say you're hired to give a speech. Let's say you're hired because you're expected to deliver information to an audience. Let's say you're even paid for it. When you go and do that, what happens is the agency that hired you, whether it's the government, your own party, says that was not your best moment.”

— Kevin O'Leary, Investor and 'Shark Tank' personality (CNN)

“She was not terrible.”

— Cari Champion, Commentator (CNN)

What’s next

The debate over Ocasio-Cortez's performance at the Munich Security Conference is likely to continue, with both her supporters and critics weighing in on her foreign policy knowledge and ability to represent the U.S. on the global stage.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing partisan divide over the preparedness and qualifications of some members of Congress when it comes to international affairs, and the challenges they face in navigating high-profile global events and discussions.