Since they first decided to run for office, Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been a force that’s dominated congressional halls and the media. The self-identified Squad has found themselves as the subjects of attacks from the president, trolls and their own party. Despite the hate these powerful women receive, they still continue to speak the truth, no matter how great the risk might be.
While commanding congressional hearings, clapping back against pundits and pushing for legislation that would protect our planet, these ladies are having the ultimate hot girl summer by showing us all that when women of color come together, there is no challenge that is too great.
Standing up against their own party
As progressive-leaning congresswomen, The Squad has come under scrutiny by fellow Democrats. Despite supporting Representative Pelosi's bid for Speaker of the House, The Squad, especially Omar constantly has to defend themselves from either direct or not so indirect jabs. Starting with The Green New Deal, and as recently as the House's decision to pass a $4.6 billion border aid package, Pelosi has been in public disagreement with the more liberal-leaning wing of her party.
Despite this, The Squad has continued to be unified (at least appearing to be) in their support and defense of each other. Omar, who by far has received the greatest amount of attacks, is The Squad's only Black Muslim and has continued to challenge her party's views on issues regarding Israel, Venezuela and Iran. In addition, The Squad continues to challenge their party on policies involving the environment, immigration and taxes.
Taking on Trump
In true Donald Trump fashion, the current president of the United States and commander-in-chief tweeted something racist. In response to their vocal stance against the administration's immigration policy, Trump tweeted, “Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came.” The Squad responded back by unifying in a press conference to remind us all why it’s important why women like them are in office.
"Our squad is big," Pressley said. "Our squad includes any person committed to building a more equitable and just world."
The Squad doesn’t just go after Trump and his cohorts in tweets or press conferences but by pushing policies that challenge his administration. The Squad has also been vocal about the need to impeach Trump.
Embracing women empowerment
By not being afraid to embrace The Squad name, the freshman congresswomen have shown there is strength in unity. As part of the most divisive group of congressional representatives, they have inspired other women of color to run for office. They show that not only can women of color challenge incumbents and win but they can tackle difficult issues.
The support that these women show each other is not only Squad goals but co-worker goals. Whether it’s standing up for one another against attacks from powerful political leaders or just boosting each other's policy agenda, Omar, Pressley, Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib are women who are not afraid to take the lead.
Like the greatest hot girl of them all, Megan Thee Stallion, said in "Money Good," “When you being real, you ain’t worried ‘bout who fake.” Which is why we hope The Squad continues to keep it real as they continue giving us life during this hot girl summer.
