During a fiery impeachment hearing on Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), D-N.Y., put Tony Bobulinski, a former associate of Hunter Biden, under intense scrutiny. AOC interrogated Bobulinski about the specific crimes Joe Biden is accused of, demanding, “Is it your testimony today that you personally witnessed … Joe Biden commit a crime?” Bobulinski, cut off before he could fully respond, retorted, questioning how much time he would need to detail the alleged crimes, which he claims include a RICO violation and financial corruption related to business dealings with his son Hunter.
The exchange escalated when AOC pressed for specifics, to which Bobulinski listed alleged crimes, including RICO violations and corruption statutes. AOC, challenging Bobulinski, asserted, “RICO is not a crime. It is a category,” sparking a debate over the nature of RICO laws. Bobulinski attempted to clarify that RICO is a category under which crimes are charged, but the discussion was overridden by AOC reclaiming her time and criticizing the Republicans for the impeachment inquiry, accusing them of lacking evidence that [Joe] Biden committed “a high crime or misdemeanor.”
AOC’s assertion that “RICO is not a crime” quickly became a focal point of criticism, especially among Republicans who mocked the congresswoman’s statement on social media. Joe Concha, a Fox News contributor, and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) were among those who commented on the matter, highlighting the controversy around AOC’s understanding of RICO laws, which are indeed codified under federal law and have been used in various legal contexts, including the current RICO case against 45th President Donald Trump in Georgia.
Bobulinski has been vocal in criticizing Hunter Biden for avoiding the congressional hearing and has previously testified about the Biden family’s alleged “influence peddling” with foreign adversaries. He has called for “truth and transparency” in the political system, highlighting the need for accountability and integrity. Biden, meanwhile, has urged Congress to conclude the impeachment investigation, denying any allegations of wrongdoing.
This heated exchange and the surrounding controversy underscore the intense political and legal debates unfolding in the U.S., with implications for both the Biden administration and the broader political landscape.
AOC IS REAL STUPID RICO IS A CRIME