WATCH: AOC says that protests woke America up, and that's a 'privilege'

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) said in an interview with TMZ that the protests which have swept across the country have "woke" people up, and those who did not know that "this was an issue before" come from a place of privilege.

"Whatever gets the job done, gets it done," she said.  

The congresswoman from New York said that people who were out in the street, supporting bail funds, and taking to social media to spread what has plagued this country for the last month is "part of the movement."

She mentioned that what is happening across the country is approved by the population strictly by a quick look at poll numbers. Trump's approval rating is down according to a recent Gallup poll. Supporters argue that this is not an indicator of what the actual turn-out will be come November, as was the case in 2016.

The congresswoman woman said that while voting is good and everyone should take part, "direct action is so important." Addressing those who are protesting, she said to those going out "into the streets, you shape the public opinion, and now the very fact that we are talking about police budgets, that we're saying, 'Hey, why is it that the NYPD gets six billion dollars, but our housing doesn't get that much...?'"

She concluded by saying that "we owe a debt of gratitude to the people who put themselves on the front line for what they believe."

While she advocated for the protestors, she did not admonish those who have taken lives,  the poor behaviour of rioters, or what demands would need to be met for protestors to feel they've accomplished their goals.