Four progressive Democratic congresswomen—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley—became known as “The Squad,” using their collective power to push the party left while becoming targets of Trump’s attacks.

Formation

The Squad coalesced in early 2019 after all four won their first House terms in November 2018. All were women of color under 50, representing the Democratic Party’s diversifying future. They aligned on progressive policies including Medicare for All, Green New Deal, and immigration reform.

The group became an informal power bloc, voting together on key issues and supporting each other against attacks. Their social media savvy and willingness to challenge Democratic leadership made them influential beyond typical freshman power.

”Send Her Back”

In July 2019, Trump tweeted the four should “go back” to the “crime infested places from which they came”—though three were born in the U.S. and all were American citizens. The racist “go back” trope sparked outrage.

At a July 17 rally, crowds chanted “Send her back!” about Ilhan Omar (a Somali refugee elected from Minnesota). Trump briefly claimed he “disagrees” with the chant before later praising the rally’s “patriots.”

Media Spotlight

Conservative media made The Squad targets, treating them as the Democratic Party’s face despite being four of 235 Democrats. Fox News mentioned them incessantly. The attention paradoxically increased their profiles and fundraising.

Trump’s attacks on The Squad unified Democrats who otherwise disagreed with their policies, as defending colleagues from racist attacks became politically necessary.

Pelosi Tensions

The Squad frequently clashed with Speaker Nancy Pelosi over strategy and policy. They voted against Pelosi’s border funding bill and criticized her cautious approach to impeachment. Pelosi dismissed them as “four people” with Twitter followings.

The generational and ideological tensions represented broader Democratic divides between establishment and progressive wings.

Expanded Squad

Later additions including Cori Bush (Missouri) and Jamaal Bowman (New York) expanded The Squad, though the original four remain most prominent. The group represents democratic socialism’s growing congressional presence.

2020 Survival

Despite Republican targeting, all four won reelection in 2020. Their survival despite being painted as radicals suggested progressive politics could win even under intense opposition.

References: Congressional Record, Trump tweets/rally transcripts, election results, social media analytics, fundraising data, Politico, Washington Post