Four ways Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has caused a lot of stir in Washington

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the millennial politician, has been making waves in Washington since her arrival on the political scene.

With her progressive views and unapologetic style, the young politician has been a constant presence in the headlines.

Here are four ways AOC has shaken up Washington:

1. Her iconic Met Gala dress:

AOC's custom Brother Vellies organza dress with the message "Tax the Rich" emblazoned across it sparked controversy and raised awareness about wealth inequality at the 2021 Met Gala. 

The dress was seen as a bold statement, with some praising her for using her platform to highlight social issues and others criticising her for being "tone-deaf" due to the event's elite attendance.

2. Making history and making herself heard:

As the youngest woman to serve in Congress, AOC has used her platform to speak out on issues like climate change, Big Pharma, and economic inequality. Her background, growing up in the Bronx and experiencing financial struggles, has formed her policy priorities.

She has been vocal about the need for generational, racial, and ideological change in the US.

She was 18 when her father died of cancer. Her family had financial troubles. She took up multiple odd jobs to pay off student loans. Even after she graduated from Boston University with degrees in economics and international relations, she had to work as a waitress and bartender to make ends meet.

Things changed for better for her whe she was at university, she she met her long-time partner, Riley Roberts. Roberts proposed to her in Puerto Rico in 2022.

She told GQ that Roberts has been supportive of her political journey, saying that "he dives into the fray for himself in that he uses what we go through as opportunities for personal growth. And it's incredible."

3. Working with and against long-time political figures:

AOC has collaborated with progressive politicians like Bernie Sanders and Ilhan Omar, while also challenging establishment Democrats like Joe Biden. 

She worked on Sanders' presidential campaign and has been part of "The Squad," an informal group of young progressives pushing for change.

Her willingness to challenge party leaders has earned her both praise and criticism.

4. Taking controversial policy stances:

AOC has been vocal on issues like Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and prescription costs, often taking on powerful industries and political opponents. Her views on big pharmaceutical companies and her questioning of profiteering from publicly funded research have sparked debate.

The Green New Deal, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address economic inequality, has been met with both support and opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike.

Through her unapologetic style and progressive policies, AOC has become a lightning rod for controversy and a symbol of generational change in Washington. Love her or hate her, AOC is undeniably shaking things up in the nation's capital, pushing for a more equitable and just society.