Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has faced widespread criticism after an error in a video post defending former CNN anchor Don Lemon. In the statement, Ocasio-Cortez described Lemon as being persecuted by the Trump administration to serve as an example for others who oppose presidential policies. She remarked, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
The post included the claim: “Intimidation is an age old tactic to qualm public dissent and outrage.” Ocasio-Cortez further stated, “This Administration is going after public figures to encourage the American people to self-censor. But we will not be silenced, and we will not accept this violation of our First Amendment Rights.”
The error has been noted by multiple sources: The term “qualm” functions as a noun, not a verb, making it an inappropriate synonym for actions such as quelling or quashing dissent. Lemon was arrested for allegedly participating in the storming of the Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, by anti-ICE agitators. He claims he was there only as a journalist, but the Department of Justice charged him with violating churchgoers’ rights to practice their religion.
