Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received a huge backlash following the release of her latest merchandise. On Thursday, she updated her followers on Twitter, informing everyone that pre-orders are now open.
She included four photos of the products, including three tees and a sweatshirt, and all feature "trendy" slogans. But, among the four, the sweatshirt with the "tax the rich" print caught the attention of many.
The New York Post released a report about the controversy. As it happens, AOC obtained criticisms and mockeries on the platform due to the hefty price tag.
The sweatshirt originally costs $60. Many netizens slammed and deemed her "hypocrite" as she campaigns for anti-capitalism.
"Capitalism," one netizen tweeted, adding that everyone thought Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez "hated" it. "Socialist in the streets, capitalist in the tweets," another critic said.
"The irony of using capitalism to complain about capitalism," a different Twitter user replied. "Socialists use capitalism to promote" their campaigns and agendas, another added.
Several other individuals, then, pointed out that all of AOC's merchandise have expensive price tags. Some netizens posted photos of the products, including the four portrait buttons for $10, caps for $28, and dog collars for $17.
Reports, later on, noted that the price of the sweatshirt in question reduced from the original price down to $58. As for the proceeds from the sales, they will not go to charity as the purchases are all "campaign contributions."
Fox News covered the same controversy later on Thursday. The coverage included several criticisms from officials and high-profile personalities with many stating that "only the rich can afford" the products.
Following the backlash, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hit back and explained the reason behind the price tags. She utilized one of the supporters' tweets, which seemingly justify the costs of the promotional items.
AOC said that Republicans are "freaking out," adding that they do not use "slave-wage labor." She, also, explained that the products are all made in the United States, unlike Trump's. She ended her response by saying that they "do" give free items for volunteers.
Despite the debacle, many fans and followers shared their support toward the congresswoman. Stephen Punwasi, whose tweet was retweeted by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that he is a "former mass-market apparel designer."
He asserted that the cost of the sweatshirt in question "sounds about right." The item is "union printed" and "made in America." He, also, argued that this is what it costs to pay a "decent wage."
Another supporter echoed the statements, saying that the costs are likely too high so that the people who made the items "get a decent wage." Then, a different Twitter user defended AOC and said that it is not capitalism because it is "basic commerce."
