Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sparked online debate by asserting that the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act is not a crime, raising questions about former President Donald Trump’s RICO charges in Georgia.
The House of Representatives launched an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden based on allegations by Republicans that he improperly supported his son’s business activities while serving as vice president. Ocasio-Cortez engaged in a tense exchange with witness Tony Bobulinski during a hearing, pressing him to name specific crimes he witnessed Biden commit. Bobulinski cited RICO, but Ocasio-Cortez corrected him, stating that RICO is a category, not a crime.
Some online commentators pointed out Trump’s RICO charges in Georgia, where he faces criminal racketeering charges for allegedly attempting to overturn the state’s electoral results in the 2020 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty, calling the case a political witch hunt.
Ocasio-Cortez continued to argue that House Republicans have failed to accuse Biden of a “high crime,” which is necessary for impeachment. The investigation in Georgia led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis faces delays due to appeals regarding Willis’s involvement in the case. Accusations have been made against her and a special prosecutor she hired, alleging they benefited from taxpayer money.
