AOC Slams Fellow Progressive Kasparian Over Israel Stance

Ocasio-Cortez accuses Kasparian of building a career on 'lying publicly' about her voting record on Israel aid.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:57pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in bold colors representing the tensions and divisions within the progressive political movement.The heated political dispute between Ocasio-Cortez and Kasparian over U.S. aid to Israel reflects the deep divisions within the progressive movement.NYC Today

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has engaged in a public spat with fellow progressive Ana Kasparian, the co-host of The Young Turks, over Kasparian's criticism of Ocasio-Cortez's voting record on U.S. aid to Israel. Ocasio-Cortez accused Kasparian of 'lying publicly' and not being 'talented enough to be relevant with the truth', while Kasparian defended her claim that Ocasio-Cortez's votes against cutting Israel aid amounted to supporting it.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions within the progressive movement over U.S. policy toward Israel, with Ocasio-Cortez representing a more critical stance and Kasparian aligning more closely with pro-Israel voices. It also raises questions about the role of media personalities in shaping political narratives, with Kasparian accused of building her career on 'lying publicly'.

The details

The spat began when Ocasio-Cortez condemned the recent foiled assassination plot against pro-Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani. Kasparian replied by suggesting Ocasio-Cortez should 'vote to send Israel more money for weapons'. Ocasio-Cortez hit back, accusing Kasparian of 'lying publicly' and not being 'talented enough to be relevant with the truth'. Fact-checking by the Grok service confirmed that Ocasio-Cortez has consistently voted against legislation that would increase U.S. military aid to Israel, though Kasparian argued that voting against cuts to aid still amounts to supporting it.

  • In 2024, Ocasio-Cortez voted Nay on the Israel Security Supplemental (H.R. 8034) and similar bills funding weapon purchases.
  • In 2025, Ocasio-Cortez cosponsored joint resolutions (e.g., H.J.Res.85, S.J.Res.33) to disapprove proposed foreign military sales to Israel.
  • In 2025, Ocasio-Cortez voted against the overall defense appropriations bill (H.R.4016) that included funding for Israel's Iron Dome system, arguing it doesn't halt offensive aid.

The players

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 14th congressional district, known for her progressive stances.

Ana Kasparian

The longtime co-host of the progressive online news show The Young Turks, who has been accused of pushing anti-Semitic tropes and aligning with pro-Israel voices.

Nerdeen Kiswani

A pro-Palestinian activist whose recent assassination plot was foiled by the FBI and NYPD.

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What they’re saying

“You should vote to send Israel more money for weapons!”

— Ana Kasparian, Co-host, The Young Turks

“I never have. Feel free to continue lying publicly, though. Those checks don't cash themselves, and you aren't talented enough to be relevant with the truth.”

— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“Sure, I might be untalented. Up to others to decide. But I can deduce that voting 'no' on legislation that would cut arms to Israel amounts to supporting U.S. funded arms to Israel…as they carry out war crimes and atrocities daily.”

— Ana Kasparian, Co-host, The Young Turks

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions within the progressive movement over U.S. policy toward Israel, with Ocasio-Cortez representing a more critical stance and Kasparian aligning more closely with pro-Israel voices. It also raises questions about the role of media personalities in shaping political narratives, with Kasparian accused of building her career on 'lying publicly'.