President Donald Trump escalated his rhetorical war against the Democratic Socialists of America on Monday, declaring the movement the most dangerous threat to the United States since the nation's founding—surpassing even the world wars and the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump dismissed the term 'social democrat' as a euphemism, claiming it masks a communist agenda. 'They use the word social democrat because it sounds so nice, but it's really communism you're talking about,' he said. 'I think it's the biggest threat to our nation there is, maybe since our founding. That includes World War I, World War II, September 11, it includes the Pearl Harbor attack.'
The president's remarks come amid a string of primary victories by candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, including three House primaries in New York where Mayor Zohran Mamdani's endorsed candidates prevailed. Trump warned that the wave is spreading beyond New York, telling the Faith and Freedom Coalition on Friday that 'the Democratic Party is in trouble because this isn't stopping with New York.' He argued that socialist candidates gain followers by making 'promises they know they can't keep' and that 'it's too easy to get elected, giving everything away.'
Democratic socialist candidates have emerged in primaries from Los Angeles to Colorado, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Trump singled out D.C. mayoral nominee Janeese Lewis George, calling her a 'communist' in a Truth Social post Sunday and vowing to oppose her policies. He accused her of wanting to 'empty the prisons, make D.C. a Sanctuary City, oppose ICE, welcome Criminal Illegal Aliens back into our beloved Capital, resist Anti-Crime Crackdowns, Defund the Police, continue and expand Cashless Bail, and so many other Capital destroying things.'
Despite his harsh rhetoric, Trump acknowledged he would meet with Lewis George if she wins the mayoral election. 'In the end, it will never work out, nor will I let it even have a chance because I have worked too hard to Washington, D.C., the Envy of the World,' he added.
The president's broadside against democratic socialism comes as his own administration faces scrutiny over expanded presidential removal authority and ongoing battles with independent agencies. Critics argue Trump's focus on leftist candidates is a diversion from his own legal and political vulnerabilities.
Some observers see the surge in democratic socialist support as a response to corruption and inequality, a narrative Trump forcefully rejects. His Monday comments are likely to energize his base ahead of the 2026 midterms, while drawing sharp condemnation from Democrats who accuse him of fearmongering.
The president's warnings also echo recent statements by Senator Chris Murphy, who argued that Trump himself poses a greater danger to democracy than any socialist candidate. The clash sets the stage for a bitter campaign season as both parties vie for control of Congress.
