House Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, or AOC, slammed those who criticised her fancy ‘Tax the Rich’ dress on Tuesday. The democrat wore the white and red dress at the Met Gala 2021 in New York. 

AOC’s bag also had a similar text, following the same theme. The outfit was finished by a pair of red shoes from Brother Vellies, with long laces and bright flowers along the heel, Vogue reported.

AOC said that she borrowed the dress with the intent to send a message to the masses in space that is dense with wealthy individuals. She said, “while the Met (Gala) is known for its spectacle, we should have a conversation about it”, according to reports from ABC News.

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The Representative, who serves from the 14th congressional district of New York, said that state officials are often invited to the fancy event and are expected to attend it due to their “responsibilities in overseeing our city’s cultural institutions that serve the public”. 

She further clarified that multiple other lawmakers and politicians were attending the Met Gala 2021 on Monday, including Representative Carolyn Maloney and Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York City.

The 31-year-old lawmaker wrote on Instagram, “We all had a conversation about Taxing the Rich in front of the very people who lobby against it”, ABC News reported.

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She added, “I am so used to doing the same exact thing that men do — including popular male progressive elected officials — and getting a completely different response.”

Several leaders and politicians from the Republican Party spoke out against AOC after her Met Gala appearance. Larry Elder, the leading GOP candidate against California Governor Gavin Newsom, wrote on Twitter, “#WeveGotACountryToSave” while citing AOC’s appearance.

Florida Senator Rick Scott slammed AOC saying that she “wants to tax the rich but took time out of her busy schedule to hob knob with NY and Hollywood elites who paid $30k to attend the #MetGala (and deduct it from their taxes).”

Carolyn Maloney, who represents New York’s 12th district, showed up at Met Gala 2021 wearing an outfit dripping with politics and activism. Her outfit, which carried white, green and purple shades, called for a smooth passage for the Equal Rights Amendment. The legislation would guarantee legal gender equality for women and men.