Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing significant backlash after she accused the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of defending what she claimed was a “Heil Hitler salute” performed by Elon Musk.

Conservatives and even some moderates on social media didn’t hold back, slamming AOC for what many called “jewsplaining” to a prominent Jewish civil rights group, as reported by The New York Post.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the “Our Fight Our Future” voter rally at Texas State University in San Marcos Tuesday October 1, 2024.

The controversy began after Musk made a one-armed gesture during a moment of gratitude toward Trump supporters.

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Progressives quickly pounced, suggesting Musk’s action mimicked a Nazi salute. The ADL stepped in to clarify, saying the gesture appeared to be “an awkward moment of enthusiasm,” not a fascist symbol.

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That didn’t sit well with AOC, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to lambaste the organization.

“Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity,” she wrote.

Accusing the ADL of political bias, she added, “You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to all.”

Social media erupted, with many users criticizing Ocasio-Cortez for her incendiary remarks. “We now have AOC jewsplaining to the ADL,” one commenter noted sarcastically.

Another quipped, “AOC trying to Jewsplain to the ADL why they are antisemitic. She’s officially lost her mind.”

Critics also pointed to Ocasio-Cortez’s history of controversial statements about Israel, including past accusations of genocide against the Palestinian people.

If, like ADL, you fight antisemitism every day, I’m ready to respectfully hear your opinion on what Elon Musk intended. THAT’S NOT WHAT AOC IS DOING. This is a cynical political game for her.

Others expressed outrage that AOC would challenge one of the most established Jewish civil rights organizations in the country simply because their stance didn’t align with her narrative.

“The ADL gave a sound statement, and AOC went for its neck because it didn’t fit her agenda. She needs to take a good look in the mirror if she wants to find the source of this kind of divisiveness,” another commentator argued.

Meanwhile, Musk himself dismissed the accusations, calling the Nazi salute claims absurd.

“The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” he wrote on X. Musk later thanked the ADL for defending him, responding with a casual “Thanks, guys,” and a laughing emoji.

This fiery exchange highlights the growing divide between progressives and more traditional advocacy groups, with AOC’s remarks stirring controversy even among those who might typically support her.