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NEW: AOC’s ‘Bronx Girl’ Persona Shattered By Yearbook Photos

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Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing scrutiny over her long-standing claims of being a “Bronx girl” after high school yearbook photos resurfaced showing she attended school in Yorktown Heights, a suburban area roughly 40 miles north of New York City.

The controversy began after a heated exchange between Ocasio-Cortez and President Donald Trump. Trump blasted Ocasio-Cortez in a lengthy social media post on Truth Social following her call for his impeachment, calling her “one of the dumbest people in Congress” and referencing her intelligence, education, and political positions.

In his lengthy post, Trump mocked her academic qualifications, referenced her test scores, and claimed she should take a cognitive test like the one he says he recently “aced.” He also lumped her in with other progressive lawmakers like Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), accusing them of harming the country through “radical” policies and rhetoric.

In response, Ocasio-Cortez shot back, writing: “Also, I’m a Bronx girl. You should know that we can eat Queens boys for breakfast. Respectfully.”

That post quickly gained traction online—but not for the reason she might have hoped.

Just hours later, New York State Assemblyman Matt Slater posted a photo from the 2004 yearbook of Yorktown High School, which includes a photo of a young Alexandria Cortez—her name before she began using her full surname, Ocasio-Cortez. “@AOC if you’re a BX girl then why are you in my Yorktown yearbook?” Slater asked in his post. “Give it up already.”

The yearbook photos appear to confirm that Ocasio-Cortez graduated from Yorktown High School in Westchester County, a more affluent and suburban area than the South Bronx she frequently references in her public persona and campaign materials.

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via X

Ocasio-Cortez has previously addressed this part of her biography, stating that while she was born in the Bronx, her family moved to Yorktown when she was around five years old so she could attend better public schools.

This isn’t the first time Ocasio-Cortez’s background has come under question. During her 2018 campaign, media outlets noted her split upbringing, though she has consistently defended her identification with the Bronx.

As of now, Ocasio-Cortez has not responded directly to Slater’s post or the yearbook photo.