Accusations of Communism in U.S. Politics: An Analysis

President Donald Trump has recently warned that communism could threaten the U.S. if Democrats win the upcoming midterm elections. During a visit to the newly constructed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota, he described communism as a greater threat than World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor, and September 11th.

Last week, at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s 2026 policy conference, Trump labeled Democrats as “hardcore, godless Communists.” His statements followed primary victories by democratic socialist candidates, reflecting a narrative he has used throughout his political career. Vice President J.D. Vance and other Republican leaders have echoed Trump’s claims, prompting expert analysis.

Examining Trump’s Claims

Trump claimed, “It’s becoming a communist party. These are not social Dumocrats, these are hardcore, godless Communists.” However, experts assert that no U.S. Communist Party member has been elected to state or federal office. While some fringes of the Democratic Party support communist ideas, they advocate for a market-based economy.

The Democratic Socialist Movement

Marc Selverstone, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, explained that no major Democratic figures identify as communists. Democratic socialists, distinct from communists, support a broader social safety net within a democratic framework, focusing on universal healthcare, higher taxes on the wealthy, and stricter corporate regulation. The Democratic Socialists of America is an organization, not a political party.

Trump’s Strategy of Labeling Opponents

Over the years, Trump has often referred to his opponents as communists to criticize and delegitimize them. In August 2024, he spoke about his strategy to defeat Democratic opponent Kamala Harris by labeling her as “comrade Kamala.” Democratic National Committee’s Kendall Witmer dismissed Trump’s claims as unfounded, while White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales reinforced Trump’s stance against perceived Democratic radicalism.

The Role of the Communist Party in U.S. Politics

The Communist Party USA has only about 20,000 members, and co-chair Joe Sims confirmed that recent Democratic candidates are not members of the Party. Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, running for a New York City congressional seat, identifies as a democratic socialist, not a communist.

Graham Platner, a Democratic primary winner for the U.S. Senate in Maine, clarified previous online comments, stating he is neither a communist nor a socialist. Harvey Klehr, an expert on American communism, noted that no active members of the Communist Party have won state or federal office, although some have won local offices.

Historically, U.S. politicians have accused opponents of communism without credible evidence, drawing parallels to Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s infamous actions in the 1950s. Maurice Isserman, a professor at Hamilton College, described such accusations as a tactic used by the political right, particularly the Republican Party.

For related fact-checking resources, visit AP Fact Checks.