President Donald Trump recently issued warnings that communism poses a threat to the U.S. should Democrats win upcoming midterm elections. He expressed these views while visiting the newly constructed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota. Trump’s statement included strong language, comparing the threat to significant historical events such as World War I, Pearl Harbor, and September 11th.
At the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s 2026 policy conference, Trump described Democrats as “hard core, godless Communists.” His recent remarks echo similar narratives he has often used throughout his political career. Democratic socialist candidates’ primary victories have fueled Trump’s latest round of attacks, supported by figures like Vice President J.D. Vance. However, experts argue these claims misrepresent the political landscape.
Misrepresentation or Reality?
Trump has said, “It’s becoming a communist party. These are not social Democrats, these are hardcore, godless Communists.” However, experts point out that no candidates openly belonging to the U.S. Communist Party have been elected to state or federal office. While fringe elements of the Democratic Party may support some communist ideas, they advocate for a market-based economy. Painting the entire party with such a broad brush is deemed inaccurate by experts.
Marc Selverstone, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center for Public Affairs, emphasized that major Democratic political figures, even those on the left, do not identify as communists. He noted this portrayal seeks to marginalize Democrats. Selverstone explained that democratic socialists advocate for extensive social safety nets, like universal healthcare, within democratic frameworks, not the abolition of private property or central economic planning.
Definition and Use of Labels
Democratic socialists often belong to the Democratic Socialists of America, a political and activist organization rather than a party. Trump has frequently labeled opponents as communists, a tactic he discussed at his New Jersey golf club in August 2024. There, he described how he planned to defeat Democratic opponents like then-Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he labeled as “comrade Kamala.”
Kendall Witmer, from the Democratic National Committee, criticized Trump’s claims, suggesting they are an attempt to gain traction before the midterms. Meanwhile, Olivia Wales, a White House spokeswoman, stated that the Democrats’ embrace of socialism and communism poses a serious threat, supporting Trump’s rhetoric.
Communism in Contemporary Politics
Currently, the Communist Party USA has limited influence in U.S. politics, counting about 20,000 members according to co-chair Joe Sims. He noted that recent Democratic candidates are not members of his party. Sims acknowledged no crime exists in affiliation, but states it’s unlikely many Democratic candidates fit this description.
Some Democratic candidates have faced scrutiny for past comments. Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist, denied identifying as a communist. Graham Platner, after critical remarks, clarified his position, denying associations with communism. Harvey Klehr, expert on American communism, highlighted the improbability of Democrats considering themselves Communist Party members.
The use of communist and Marxist labels as political tools has a historical precedent. Prominent figures like Sen. Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s led efforts to blacklist accused communists. Maurice Isserman, a Hamilton College professor and American communism expert, commented on how such accusations are a part of the Republican arsenal today.