Ocasio-Cortez ponders leaving X: ‘A formal break is something that we actively discuss’

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said she has pondered leaving X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, following her criticism of owner Elon Musk’s changes to the social media platform.

When asked in an interview with The New York Times what would make her leave the platform, Ocasio-Cortez said, “If one monitors my use of that platform, it has falled precipitously.”

“I think what would constitute a formal break is something that we actively discuss, whether it would require an event or if it’s just something that may one day happen,” she added.

While acknowledging that her account has 13.2 million followers, she said leaving the platform is “not something to be taken lightly.” 

Ocasio-Cortez has publicly criticized X on multiple occasions since Musk’s takeover in October 2022, from blasting the billionaire over suspending several journalists from the social media platform to accusing Musk of boosting a fake Twitter account impersonating her. 

Last month, she pushed back against Twitter Safety’s claim that more than 99 percent of the content users and advertisers see on the social media platform is “healthy.” She claimed she “has never experienced more harassment on the platform” and said she wished the platform was “usable again.”

The New York lawmaker has used social media throughout her political career to engage with constituents, showcasing her policies on platforms like TikTok and previously on Twitch.

Asked if her participation on X could be supporting Musk’s platform, Ocasio-Cortez said, “It’s something that I have absolutely struggled with.” 

“I’ve certainly pulled back on my activity on the platform due to these concerns, and I do wrestle with that,” she added.

While noting she is trying to build audiences in alternative places, Ocasio-Cortez said having access to a messaging platform that “people trust” is important in the case of extraordinary events, like natural disasters.  

“But it’s uncomfortable,” she said. “We’ve seen the media take different approaches to this — the differences between NPR or The Washington Post or whatever it may be, contending with the same questions.”