Former US labor secretary Robert Reich argues that Donald Trump has run out of effective talking points ahead of the midterm elections, resorting to accusations of communism against Democrats. Reich contends that Trump cannot discuss the economy due to rising prices outpacing wages, foreign policy due to failures in Iran and tariffs, or immigration due to unpopular raids and deportations.
Trump's Mount Rushmore Speech
During America's 250th anniversary celebrations at Mount Rushmore, Trump warned of a "communist menace" resurgence, targeting "radicals" and "extremists." He stated, "You can be a communist, or you can be a patriot. You cannot be both." Reich dismisses this as a scare tactic, noting that policies like Medicare for All and universal childcare are broadly supported.
Historical Parallels to McCarthyism
Reich draws parallels to the post-World War II red scare led by Senator Joe McCarthy, who used anticommunist rhetoric to attack liberals and destroy careers. McCarthyism helped Republicans regain Congress in 1946 and launched figures like Richard Nixon. Reich recalls watching the Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954, where attorney Joseph Welch famously asked McCarthy, "Have you no sense of decency?" leading to McCarthy's downfall.
Trump's mentor, Roy Cohn, served as McCarthy's chief counsel during those hearings. Reich suggests Trump's red-baiting is a desperate move when other strategies have failed.
Young Americans Favor Socialism
Reich notes that Democratic stars like Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have nothing to do with communism; they focus on corporate accountability and corruption. Polls show shifting attitudes: an Axios-Generation Lab poll found 67% of young Americans have a positive or neutral view of socialism, compared to 40% for capitalism. A Cato Institute survey indicates Zoomers prefer socialism (53%) over capitalism (45%).
Reich attributes this to young people struggling with homeownership, healthcare costs, and job markets, suggesting capitalism has failed them. He doubts Trump's red-baiting will help Republicans, as Americans are more concerned about neofascism and government corruption—56% fear the US could stop being a free country within 50 years, per the same Cato poll.
Reich concludes that Trump's only ideology is narcissism, not anticommunism or pro-capitalism.
