Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing significant backlash and potential legal repercussions after posting a controversial message on social media referring to former President Donald Trump as a “rapist.” The statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), implied Trump was behind the delayed release of the Epstein files. “Wow who would have thought that electing a rapist would have complicated the release of the Epstein Files,” she wrote.

The claim sparked immediate criticism, with many pointing out that in the E. Jean Carroll civil case, Trump was found liable for sexual abuse—not rape. Legal analysts noted that Ocasio-Cortez’s wording could meet the legal threshold for defamation, particularly under the New York Times v. Sullivan standard, which requires that the statement be made with “actual malice” for a public figure to sue successfully.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) addressed the legal implications directly, stating, “Even under the ridiculously lenient standards of NY Times v. Sullivan, you’ve managed to incur defamation liability.” Others echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that Trump has never been criminally convicted of rape and that Ocasio-Cortez, as a member of Congress, should be more cautious with such public accusations.

The controversy has drawn comparisons to Trump’s previous legal action against ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, who inaccurately said Trump had been found liable for rape. ABC later settled for $15 million and issued a public apology. Supporters of Trump are now urging similar legal action against Ocasio-Cortez.

As of Tuesday, Ocasio-Cortez has not responded to the growing criticism. Whether Trump or his legal team will move forward with a defamation lawsuit remains uncertain, but calls for accountability continue to gain momentum among conservative figures.