"These ruthless Communists will attack all Religions but, in particular, Christianity – They always do."
Former President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric on Friday, posting to Truth Social and speaking at the Faith and Freedom Coalition to claim that "godless communists" are attacking religions, especially Christianity. Trump referenced unspecified "recent Election of Communists in our Country" without naming any candidates or providing evidence.
Trump described the alleged threat as "the Greatest Threat to our Country since its Founding 250 years ago," and referred to those he accused as "animals" and "hard core, godless Communists."
The Facts on the Ground
Recent Democratic primary victories in New York were won by candidates backed by Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist mayoral candidate. The winners—Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez—are members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), not the Communist Party.
No self-identifying communists are currently running on the Democratic ticket for the midterms, nor are there any communists in elected office.
Democratic Socialism vs. Communism: A Key Distinction
- Democratic socialists pursue change through electoral politics, working within the existing democratic system.
- Communists in practice have rejected democracy, historically favoring revolutionary or authoritarian means.
The DSA itself includes members of various religions: Mamdani, Tlaib, and Avila Chevalier are Muslims; Ocasio-Cortez is Catholic. The DSA's Religion and Socialism group notes a "long tradition of religious socialism in the United States."
Two members of Congress are DSA members: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib. Senator Bernie Sanders is not a DSA member but aligns with democratic socialism. Trump has previously called Mamdani a "communist" before his mayoral election win.
Shifting Public Opinion on Socialism
A 2025 Gallup poll shows shifting views on economic systems:
54% of Americans view capitalism positively, down from 61% in 2010. Positive views of socialism rose from 36% to 39% over the same period.
Among Democrats, the shift is more pronounced:
Approval of socialism increased from 50% in 2010 to 66% in 2025.