Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) defended her decision to attend the exclusive Met Gala on Monday night amid a social media backlash.
The congresswoman drew criticism from many, including several high-profile Republicans, who pointed out the dichotomy between the message emblazoned on her dress, “Tax the Rich,” and the event’s reported $30,000-a-head price tag.
Donald Trump Jr. was among those who slammed Ocasio-Cortez, referring to her as a “fraud” on Twitter.
Other GOP figures who took aim at the congresswoman with similar sentiments include Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder.
Ocasio-Cortez explained why she attended the high-profile event and the significance of her gown choice in Instagram and Twitter posts.
“BEFORE anybody starts wilding out – NYC elected officials are regularly invited to and attend the Met due to our responsibilities in overseeing our city’s cultural institutions that serve the public,” she wrote. “I was one of several in attendance.”
She added that the dress, created by Brother Vellies, was borrowed.
“The Met is known for its spectacle, we should have a conversation about it,” she said.
Among the other New York politicians in attendance Monday night were Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D), who also seized upon the opportunity to share a political message with her gown, an ode to women’s equality.