In September 2021, the Met Gala became the unlikely backdrop for a political and ethical storm centered on Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her white “Tax the Rich” dress transformed a fashion statement into years of investigations, sparking debates over political messaging, ethics rules, and the blending of celebrity culture with public office.
What began as commentary on wealth inequality escalated into inquiries and political consequences. The case exposed tensions over how politicians navigate activism while adhering to strict ethical standards. For Ocasio-Cortez, the fallout collided with another controversy: her push to impeach President Trump after his 2025 strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Her impeachment demand left her isolated within the Democratic Party. Leaders such as Hakeem Jeffries rejected impeachment, preferring legislative measures, while Senator John Fetterman dismissed the effort as “dead on arrival,” warning it diluted the gravity of impeachment. The House overwhelmingly voted down her resolution.
The standoff with Trump turned personal, with the former president ridiculing Ocasio-Cortez and attacking fellow progressives. She responded sharply, accusing him of betraying the Constitution with illegal military action, turning his insults back into constitutional critique. The exchange reinforced her role as a high-profile Trump adversary.