During the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States, President Donald Trump referenced “communism” or “communist” 14 times in a single 30-minute speech at Mount Rushmore, calling it “the greatest threat to our country, including World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor or even 9/11.” The following day, at a Fourth of July event on the National Mall, he again warned that “America will never be a communist country.”
This rhetorical strategy is increasingly central to Trump’s midterm campaign as Democratic primary victories by democratic socialists energize the left. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the current Democratic Party as “communists,” while House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled it “communism” that “has led to the murder of innocent people.”
The term “communism” has a long history in American political discourse. Originating from the French “communisme” and first used in English around 1840, it describes a stateless, classless society with common ownership. In the early 20th century, it became a pejorative during labor struggles and the first Red Scare following the Russian Revolution. The Cold War cemented its association with totalitarian regimes like those of Stalin, Mao, and Castro.
Experts say Trump uses “communism” not to describe specific policies but as a shorthand for “un-American,” signaling to his base that their way of life is under threat. This tactic echoes Senator Joseph McCarthy’s red-baiting in the 1950s, which was aided by Roy Cohn, later Trump’s lawyer and mentor. The label has also been used historically to discredit civil rights movements, including Martin Luther King Jr.
However, polling suggests the strategy may have limited effect. A Fox News poll found 38% of Americans view socialism positively, while a Gallup poll showed 66% of Democrats view socialism more favorably than capitalism. Among those under 30, 38% view communism favorably, nearly matching capitalism’s 45% favorability, according to a Cato Institute poll. Researcher Dalton Bouzek notes that such language doesn’t necessarily correlate with election wins but does drive online engagement.
Republican strategist John Feehery suggests Trump is targeting older voters who are more likely to turn out. Yet the tactic risks backfiring, as younger generations may associate “communism” with an anti-Trump ethos, potentially making them more receptive to leftist ideas.
