Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez whips up storm with 'Tax the Rich' dress at New York's elite Met Gala

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the left-wing Democrat congresswoman, was accused of being a "fraud" and "champagne socialist" after she wore a dress stamped with the words "Tax the Rich" to the Met Gala in New York, one of America's most elitist celebrity events.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez, 31, rubbed shoulders with figures from the entertainment world including Kim Kardashian at the party which costs $30,000 for a ticket.

The annual fashion extravaganza at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art attracts billionaires and socialites from around the world, and pays for the museum’s Costume Institute.

Republicans, left-wing Democrat activists and some entertainment figures united in calling the firebrand democratic socialist politician hypocritical.

Donald Trump Jr, who was not at the event, said: "What makes AOC a bigger fraud: The ‘tax the rich’ dress while she’s hanging out with a bunch of wealthy left wing elites.

"Or the lack of masks after spending the past 18 months as one of the biggest authoritarian mask Karens in the country?"

Actor Michael Rapaport said: "Custom TAX THE RICH dress while at the most elitist event in the world?

"AOC will soon be rich with a ginormous production deal from somewhere, and done with politics, guarantee it."

On social media left-wing activists shared photographs of Black Lives Matter supporters protesting outside the exclusive event.

Andray Domise, of the group Black Alliance for Peace, said: "Police were creasing people’s heads outside while you [Ms Ocasio-Cortez] and your friends were nibbling watermelon tarts with smoked yuzu soy on panipuri crackers."

Ms Ocasio-Cortez defended her attendance, telling Vogue on the red carpet that she was there to “kick open the doors at the Met".

She added: "The time is now for childcare, healthcare, and climate action for all. Tax the Rich."

Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who wore $450 earrings, said she had been invited as an elected New York official to "support the city’s cultural institutions," and had not paid for a ticket.

After a social media backlash the congresswoman, who has previously appeared on the cover of Vogue, claimed it had been a success.

She said her appearance had led to a "surge in people looking up and discussing our f----d up tax code and how we fix it."
But Republicans castigated Ms Ocasio-Cortez as a "champagne socialist".

Jeanette Nunez, the Republican lieutenant governor of Florida, said: "Champagne socialists like AOC are far removed from reality."