AOC has a new problem with a major US company who has close ties to President Trump.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is renewing her push to crack down on America’s largest technology companies after Apple announced significant price increases on several of its most popular products, arguing that consumers are paying the price for the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence.
The New York Democrat criticized Apple after the company raised prices on select MacBook and iPad models by as much as $200, saying the growing influence of Big Tech is hurting everyday Americans and calling for stronger government oversight.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Ocasio-Cortez said Congress should consider breaking up some of the nation’s largest technology companies while expanding consumer protections.
“We need to break up a lot of these companies that have become far too big,” she said. “We also need stronger protections for consumers.”
Apple Blames AI Boom For Higher Prices
Apple recently increased prices on several MacBook and iPad models after citing a global shortage of memory chips. Depending on the device, prices climbed roughly 15% to 25%, marking one of the company’s largest rounds of price increases in recent years.
Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company had little choice because rising component costs made the increases necessary.
“Unfortunately, price increases are unavoidable,” Cook said.
Many technology analysts believe the supply shortage is being fueled by the race to build artificial intelligence infrastructure. As companies invest billions of dollars into massive AI data centers, demand for high-performance memory chips has surged, placing additional strain on global semiconductor supplies.
Some industry experts have even suggested that higher prices on consumer electronics could become the “new normal” as AI development continues to accelerate.
Ocasio-Cortez Says Consumers Are Paying The Price
Ocasio-Cortez argued that ordinary Americans are effectively subsidizing the AI boom through higher prices on everyday electronics.
According to the congresswoman, technology companies are consuming an increasing share of the world’s semiconductor supply to build AI data centers, leaving consumers facing higher costs when purchasing laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices.
She also claimed the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure is contributing to higher electricity demand while increasing concerns that artificial intelligence could eventually replace more American workers.
Calls Grow For More Oversight Of Big Tech
Beyond rising prices, Ocasio-Cortez accused major technology companies of becoming too powerful and said they wield enormous influence with too little accountability.
She renewed her support for stronger antitrust enforcement, arguing that Washington should do more to prevent a handful of companies from dominating key sectors of the economy.
The New York lawmaker also criticized recent layoffs across the technology industry, saying companies continue investing heavily in artificial intelligence while reducing their workforce.
Debate Over The CHIPS Act
When asked whether Congress should revisit legislation similar to the CHIPS Act—which invested billions of federal dollars to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing—Ocasio-Cortez said lawmakers could not have predicted today’s AI-driven demand when the bill became law.
She argued the legislation was written before the explosive growth of AI data centers dramatically increased competition for advanced computer chips.
Push To Slow AI Expansion
Ocasio-Cortez has also joined forces with Sen. Bernie Sanders in supporting legislation that would temporarily pause the construction of new AI data centers while lawmakers study their long-term economic, environmental, and energy impacts.
As artificial intelligence continues transforming the technology industry, the debate over rising consumer prices, semiconductor shortages, government regulation, and the growing influence of Big Tech is expected to remain a major issue in Washington.
Whether Congress ultimately embraces Ocasio-Cortez’s proposals or pursues a different approach, the discussion highlights the increasing impact AI is having on the economy, household budgets, and the future of American technology.