On his latest broadcast, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson sparked outrage and disbelief by claiming that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is not a genuine progressive, but actually a Republican operative planted to undermine the Democratic Party from within.

According to Carlson, AOC’s policies and behavior—seemingly radical on the surface—are in fact strategically destructive to the Democratic coalition, ultimately benefiting the GOP in the long run.

The Evidence Carlson Presented

Carlson listed several key behaviors and policy stances by AOC that he claims support his theory:

Fomenting Internal Conflict: AOC has frequently criticized senior figures in her own party, including Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden, contributing to internal discord.

Extreme Left-Wing Policies: Proposals like the Green New Deal or abolishing ICE are seen by many moderates as too radical, alienating centrist voters in swing states.

Overexposure and Branding: With her influencer-style media presence, Carlson argues that AOC turns politics into a spectacle, diminishing the traditional credibility of the Democratic establishment.

Expert Analysis: Is There Any Truth to the Accusation?

Reaction from Academia

Dr. Michael Levin, a political communication expert at Columbia University, weighed in:

“Carlson’s claim is sensational and lacks credible evidence. However, it reflects a real anxiety within the Democratic Party—that figures like AOC might be pushing the party too far left, too fast.”

He adds:

“AOC is not a Republican operative, but she represents a populist left-wing movement that traditional Democratic leaders are struggling to contain.”

A Strategic Perspective

Rebecca Nguyen, a political strategist based in Washington, D.C., views Carlson’s tactic as calculated:

“This isn’t about truth—it’s about narrative warfare. By framing AOC as a ‘plant’, Carlson is fueling skepticism and distrust among Democrats, potentially weakening their unity before the next election.”

She continues:

“There’s no evidence of infiltration, but the accusation forces Democrats to confront uncomfortable internal divisions—something Republicans can exploit.”

AOC’s Response

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), AOC responded sharply to Carlson’s allegation:

“Tucker Carlson is back on his fanfiction nonsense. I fight for workers, for the planet, and for justice. That doesn’t make me a ‘plant’—it makes me a representative of the people.”

Conclusion: Conspiracy or Clever Messaging?

While Carlson’s claim lacks factual backing and veers into conspiracy territory, it taps into genuine ideological tensions within the Democratic Party. Figures like AOC, while immensely popular among young and progressive voters, often clash with more moderate party elements—raising strategic questions about the party’s direction.

Whether or not this was Carlson’s intent, the narrative of internal sabotage could prove damaging in public discourse, especially as the U.S. heads into a critical election cycle.