Trump’s Claims of Communist Threat Lack Evidence, Experts Say
President Donald Trump has recently warned that communism could threaten the U.S. if Democrats win the midterm elections. He stated, “It’s the biggest threat to our country,” mentioning various historical crises for emphasis. Trump voiced this concern during a visit to the newly constructed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota.
At a Faith & Freedom Coalition conference, Trump referred to Democrats as “hardcore, godless Communists.” These statements echo his previous political messaging, following primary wins by democratic socialist candidates. Experts, however, dispute his assertions, noting a lack of evidence to support his claims.
Trump: “It’s becoming a communist party. These are not social Dumocrats, these are hardcore, godless Communists.”
The Facts: No candidate openly associated with the U.S. Communist Party has been elected to state or federal office. While some fringe members of the Democratic Party express communist-like ideas, they generally support a market-based economy. Experts caution against broad generalizations labeling the entire party as communist.
The term “Dumocrats” has been used pejoratively by Trump to describe his Democratic opponents. Marc Selverstone, director at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, notes that Democratic figures who align with socialism are not advocating for pure communist principles. Rather, they focus on increasing the social safety net within a democratic framework, advocating for universal healthcare and stricter corporate regulation.
How Trump Uses the Label
Trump has frequently labeled his political opponents as communists. He explained his strategy during an August 2024 event, saying, “All we have to do is define our opponent as being a communist or a socialist or somebody who is going to destroy our country.” This narrative has been part of his approach against Democratic figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
When asked about these assertions, Kendall Witmer from the Democratic National Committee described Trump’s claims as desperate attempts ahead of the midterms. Olivia Wales, a White House spokeswoman, counterclaimed that the Democrats’ socialist beliefs pose a significant threat.
The Communist Party in Today’s Politics
Communist Party USA maintains a minor presence in U.S. politics with approximately 20,000 members. Co-chair Joe Sims emphasized that recent Democratic candidates do not belong to the Communist Party, nor promote its Marxist ideology. Sims acknowledges that none of the current political candidates are known members of the Communist Party.
Despite some scrutiny over their past statements, candidates like Darializa Avila Chevalier and Graham Platner have clarified their stances. Avila Chevalier identifies as a democratic socialist rather than a communist. Similarly, Platner stated in an interview, “I’m not a communist. I’m not a socialist.”
Harvey Klehr, an expert on American communism, reiterated that few of those attracted to communist ideals are Communist Party members. Historically, the label of communism has been used politically without cause, as seen in the 1950s McCarthyism era. Maurice Isserman, a history professor at Hamilton College, notes this tactic remains within the political playbook of the right.
Further fact checks on these topics can be found at AP Fact Check.