Critics, however, mocked Hollander’s helplessness and accused the scene of being staged for publicity. Some pointed out that two Capitol Police officers stood by watching as AOC did the work.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez looks under the hood of a stranded motorist’s car; Photo Credit: mike casca/X

Regardless of motive, the moment became yet another viral headline for Ocasio-Cortez—fueling both admiration and skepticism across social media.