US President Donald Trump targeted the recent primary election victories of democratic socialist candidates in New York, labeling them "godless communists."
On Friday, Trump sharply criticized the results via his Truth Social account and during a speech at the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition event, describing them as "communists being elected in our country."
'The greatest threat in our country's 250-year history'
The former president accused communists of "attacking all religions, especially Christianity" in his post and speech. Trump, who said "Assassinating those who oppose them is an important part of their ideology," stated, "These aren't social Democrats. These are hard-core, godless communists."
Although Trump did not name the individuals directly, he referred to the primaries held in New York last week.
Democratic socialist wins in New York
Progressive candidates Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, backed by New York City Council Member Zohran Mamdani, won Democratic Party primaries in their districts. In the same period in Pennsylvania, state Representative Chris Rabb, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), also won the Democratic congressional primary, securing the nomination in a blue district.
Reality: No communists, DSA members won
Contrary to Trump's accusations, none of the winning candidates are communists. All are members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), an organization that aims for a more equitable distribution of wealth and increased public services through electoral politics. Unlike communism, the DSA advocates achieving its goals within the framework of democracy.
Religion and socialism: DSA members include Muslims
Contrary to Trump's claim that they will "attack all religions," DSA members hold various faiths. While Council Member Mamdani, Representative Rashida Tlaib, and candidate Avila Chevalier are Muslim, another prominent figure, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is Catholic. The Religion and Socialism group on the DSA's website recalls "the overlooked or forgotten tradition of religious socialism in the US" and refuses to cede the faith ground to the religious right.
Election atmosphere and shifting perceptions
Trump's remarks come at a time when his approval rating has dropped to an all-time low and Republicans may face difficulties in the midterm elections in November. Trump and his allies, planning to use the leftward shift within the Democratic Party as a vulnerability with voters, are also seeking to consolidate the religious conservative base.
However, it is unclear whether the strategy will be effective. According to a Gallup poll from last year, the percentage of Americans with a positive view of capitalism fell from 61 percent in 2010 to 54 percent in 2025. Over the same period, the percentage with a positive view of socialism rose from 36 percent to 39 percent. Support for socialism among Democratic voters increased from 50 percent to 66 percent.
