Several New York Post readers have voiced criticism regarding U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's alleged failure to pay down her student loan debt, despite her reported salary of $173,000. The letters, published in the newspaper's opinion section, touch on themes of fiscal responsibility and the broader student loan system.
One reader, Betsy McCaughey, was cited for pointing out the "fiscal prudence" of Ocasio-Cortez, a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. The reader suggested that a candidate should "lead by example" and that Ocasio-Cortez appears to believe she is exempt from the same rules as others.
Another letter questioned why the government does not automatically garnish the salaries of federal employees who do not pay their federal student loans. This sentiment was echoed by a reader who stated Ocasio-Cortez "won't pay her loans back because she feels that 'We the People' should pay the debt for her." This reader also criticized colleges for allegedly using federal loan programs to charge exorbitant prices and for students pursuing degrees with little market value.
Further criticism came from a reader who noted that Ocasio-Cortez, a graduate of Boston University in 2011, still owes between $15,000 and $19,000 in student loans. This reader also highlighted an unpaid tax warrant of $1,600 against Brook Avenue Press, a business founded by Ocasio-Cortez in 2012 that reportedly failed. The reader characterized her as "another DSA 'leader' who’s unwilling to pay her own way."
One letter suggested that Ocasio-Cortez's stance on student loans is consistent with her advocacy for free college and Medicare for All. This reader proposed focusing discussions on careers with high employability and pay, such as those in software development, cybersecurity, or robotics, rather than on debt forgiveness.
The New York Post letters section also included commentary on unrelated city council matters, such as proposed bills to delete the gang database, provide free-range eggs for municipal workers, and offer paid time off for pet illness. These were criticized by some readers as frivolous and indicative of poor electoral choices.
The reported student loan debt for Ocasio-Cortez stems from her time at Boston University, from which she graduated in 2011. The specific amount cited by one reader falls between $15,000 and $19,000. Another reader also mentioned an outstanding tax warrant for $1,600 related to a defunct business venture.