Trump discusses AOC's potential presidential bid and Democratic distancing from extreme policies

On August 14, 2026, President Donald Trump commented on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D-N.Y.) potential presidential aspirations and the perceived shift of some far-left Democrats away from previously supported policies. In an interview with Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams, Trump noted that he believes Ocasio-Cortez may be positioning herself for a 2028 presidential run. He remarked on her distancing from earlier calls to defund police departments and other progressive policies, stating, "If you really look at it, they're all saying the same thing." Trump also expressed his view that sanctuary cities, which do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities, are problematic and suggested that their existence may decline. Ocasio-Cortez has not ruled out a presidential run but is currently focused on the upcoming midterm elections. During a separate interview, she addressed past extreme rhetoric associated with the pandemic-era social justice activism, emphasizing the importance of evaluating current candidate statements.