Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has removed pronouns from her bio on X (formerly Twitter), igniting controversy and sparking discussions on identity politics. The timing of her decision has drawn mixed reactions, with many tying it to the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election victory.
Right-Wing Media Reacts
The removal of AOC’s pronouns from her bio sent shockwaves through conservative circles. Prominent far-right accounts like Libs of TikTok highlighted the change as a significant cultural shift. Riley Gaines, an outspoken critic of transgender inclusion in sports, labeled the move as evidence of a “win” against progressive values.
Posts such as “AOC removed her pronouns” flooded X, with Gaines adding, “We’re winning, and it’s glorious.” The account EndWokeness pointed out that AOC had previously apologized for not including pronouns in her bio. Critics saw the removal as symbolic of a broader cultural retreat from progressive stances.
A Timeline of the Change
Despite the uproar, reports indicate that AOC removed her pronouns months before the 2024 election. Screenshots from the Internet Archive reveal the absence of pronouns as early as July. Other sources, including The Daily Dot, noted the change back in May.
This timeline undermines claims that the decision directly reflects the election results. However, the discourse continues to tie the move to Trump’s resurgent culture war rhetoric.
Trump and the GOP’s Culture War Strategy
Republicans leaned heavily into identity politics during the 2024 campaign. Trump and his allies criticized Democratic stances on transgender rights, with campaign ads framing the opposition as overly focused on “woke” policies. One ad declared, “Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.”
Trump’s September debate against Kamala Harris highlighted his aggressive approach. He alleged that Harris supported “transgender operations for illegal aliens in prison.” Though rooted in a 2019 ACLU survey, the claim amplified cultural tensions.
Some Democrats acknowledged the GOP’s messaging impact. Representative Tom Suozzi expressed concern over the party’s alignment with far-left ideals, while Seth Moulton warned against avoiding controversial conversations. “We spend too much time trying not to offend,” Moulton said.
AOC’s Criticism of Biden’s Title IX Proposal
Ocasio-Cortez has been an outspoken advocate for transgender rights. In April 2023, she criticized the Biden administration’s proposed changes to Title IX policies for transgender athletes. The policy aimed to balance inclusivity with fair competition, but AOC called it “indefensible.”
“There is no reason for the Biden admin to do this,” she posted. “It’s a disgrace.” Her comments reflect ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over how to approach such polarizing issues.
Broader Implications for the Culture Wars
The uproar over AOC’s pronouns encapsulates the cultural divide shaping modern American politics. While conservatives celebrated the move as a retreat from progressive ideals, others noted it as a minor personal decision blown out of proportion.
The debate underscores how small actions can spark significant political narratives, particularly in an era defined by online outrage.
AOC’s decision to remove her pronouns from her X bio has fueled heated discussions about identity politics and the broader culture war. Although the timing aligns with Trump’s victory, the change predates Election Day. The controversy illustrates the persistent divide in American politics, where even subtle actions can become flashpoints for larger ideological battles.
