US Politics
Trump administration cuts education and recreation funding for immigrant children in detention centers
By Shelley Connor, 7 June 2019
The Office of Refugee Settlement has halted the flow of funding for any activities they consider “not directly necessary for the protection of life and safety,” including legal aid and recreation.
Biden drops support for abortion-funding restriction after political firestorm
By Patrick Martin, 7 June 2019
The leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination had sought to stake out a right-wing position on access to abortion.
IMF warns of growing trade war
By Nick Beams, 7 June 2019
Trump’s threat to use tariffs against Mexico over immigration has sent a shock wave through the international trading system because it makes clear the US is prepared to use economic and trade warfare measures to pursue all of its policy objectives.
Michigan governor announces closure of Benton Harbor High School
By Joseph Lorenz and JT Asher, 7 June 2019
Students, parents and community members denounced Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s unilateral decision to close Benton Harbor High School at a school board meeting this week.
Responding to attacks on socialism
Bernie Sanders uses NY Times op-ed to reassure big business
By Tom Hall, 7 June 2019
In response to attacks on socialism from within the Democratic Party as well as by Trump and the Republicans, Sanders has made clear he has no intention of challenging the profit system or the property of the ruling class.
A gathering of warmongers marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth, England
By Robert Stevens, 6 June 2019
Nothing could obscure the fact that the commemoration was held against the backdrop of a historic breakdown in relations between the major powers.
Bernie Sanders answers attacks on socialism with defense of capitalist “democracy”
By Tom Hall, 6 June 2019
In response to attacks on socialism from within the Democratic Party as well as by Trump and the Republicans, Bernie Sanders has published a cowardly op-ed piece in the New York Times that omits the “S” word and makes clear he was no intention of challenging the profit system or the property of the ruling class.
Trump escalates his pro-Brexit agenda during UK state visit
By Robert Stevens, 5 June 2019
Trump envisions any trade deal with the UK as one entirely to the advantage of the US corporations, as he steps up trade war measures against America’s competitors everywhere.
Mass protests as Trump visits the UK
The fight against Trump must become the struggle for socialism
By Chris Marsden, 4 June 2019
Workers and young people wanting to fight against the growing danger of war and dictatorship, spearheaded by Trump’s threats against China and Russia, must reject all calls for an alliance with rival capitalist powers and parties.
Fourteen Democratic presidential hopefuls campaign at California convention
By Dan Conway, 3 June 2019
The presidential candidates who spoke at the convention offered various types of vague reformist pabulum that will be rapidly abandoned once the party’s nominee is chosen.
Trump’s Mexican tariff threat hits global markets
By Nick Beams, 1 June 2019
In pursuit of his political agenda, Trump has made clear he is prepared to resort to the unprecedented use of economic measures, with far-reaching international ramifications.
Jacobin editor Bhaskar Sunkara makes a fool of himself
By Joseph Kishore, 31 May 2019
Anyone under the impression that Bhaskar Sunkara, Jacobin or the Democratic Socialists of America have anything to do with socialism should listen to an interview with Sunkara published by the New York Times on Thursday.
After the Mueller statement
Trump to impose tariff on Mexico in attack on immigrants as Democrats denounce Russia
By Eric London, 31 May 2019
The working class has no ally in the faction fight between reactionary partisans of US imperialism.
Mueller encourages drive to remove Trump
By Barry Grey, 30 May 2019
In a surprise statement Wednesday, Special Counsel Robert Mueller provided ammunition to the sections of the American ruling class that have concluded it is necessary to remove Trump from office prior to the 2020 elections.
The class issues in the fight to free Julian Assange
By Joseph Kishore, 25 May 2019
Assange is the victim of one of the most massive political frame-ups in modern history, which has received the active support of the entire political establishment and the media.
Knock Down the House and the Democratic Party politics of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
By Genevieve Leigh, 25 May 2019
Knock Down the House reviews the election campaigns of several Democratic Party primary candidates in the 2018 congressional elections, focused on Ocasio-Cortez in New York City.
Trump, Democrats clash over investigations
By Patrick Martin, 23 May 2019
Trump has issued an unprecedented ultimatum: Halt investigations or no political business will be done in Washington.
Washington threatens new attack on Syria amid US war buildup in Persian Gulf
By Bill Van Auken, 22 May 2019
With the Trump administration threatening a new attack on Syria on the pretext of chemical weapons, Democrats signed a letter urging an even more aggressive policy.
As more Democrats call for impeachment inquiry
Former White House counsel refuses to testify before House committee
By Barry Grey, 22 May 2019
The Democrats are warning about a “constitutional crisis” and the threat of dictatorship, but their own fecklessness is bound up with the reactionary basis of their opposition to Trump.
Kicking off his presidential campaign
Biden makes right-wing plea for “unity” with Republicans
By Patrick Martin, 20 May 2019
At the kickoff rally for his campaign, the Democratic frontrunner avoided any mention of the growth of social inequality or the domination of a financial aristocracy over America.
Democrats back trade war with China
By Patrick Martin, 18 May 2019
The main criticism of Trump’s trade policy by congressional Democrats and most presidential candidates is that the president should focus exclusively on China and enlist Canada, Mexico and the European Union in an anti-China coalition.
Alabama abortion ban: Back to barbarism
By Patrick Martin, 16 May 2019
The purpose of the law is to give the new right-wing majority on the US Supreme Court the opportunity to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Trump says he reported $1.17 billion in losses over 10 years to evade paying taxes
By E.P. Milligan, 14 May 2019
Trump’s statement that he claimed losses in order to evade taxes is tantamount to an admission of tax fraud.
The working class and the threat of dictatorship in the US
By Patrick Martin, 13 May 2019
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats admit that there is a “constitutional crisis” but refuse to conduct a serious struggle against Trump’s authoritarian actions.
Trump rally roars approval for call to “shoot” immigrants
By Eric London, 10 May 2019
When an audience member at a Trump rally Wednesday yelled that the US should “shoot” immigrants, Trump laughed. Meanwhile, the government is arresting record numbers of families at the border.
US tariff hike against China goes ahead
By Nick Beams, 10 May 2019
Trump said talks with Chinese representatives would proceed, but “I have no idea what’s going to happen.”
Changing poverty formula, Trump administration to make millions ineligible for social programs
By Alex González, 10 May 2019
The “chained CPI” plan is based on a previous attack on the poor and elderly proposed by the Obama administration.
Chelsea Manning released, faces new imprisonment for refusing to testify against Assange
By Niles Niemuth, 10 May 2019
Even before she was released on Thursday, Manning was served with a new subpoena to demand testimony before a different grand jury. She could be returned to jail as early as next week.
House committee votes contempt charge against Trump’s attorney general William Barr
By Patrick Martin, 9 May 2019
The conflict between Congress and the White House represents the breakdown of the institutional framework through which American capitalist politics has operated for more than two centuries.
Trump floats proposal to cancel 2020 elections
By Eric London, 8 May 2019
Bourgeois politics has degenerated to such a degree that political and legal norms considered fundamental since the American Revolution are now challenged by presidential tweet.
Former Trump chief of staff John Kelly joins board of migrant detention firm
By Genevieve Leigh, 8 May 2019
The retired general and anti-immigrant demagogue is profiting from the draconian policies he helped implement while working in the Trump administration.
Georgia governor signs “heartbeat” anti-abortion legislation
By Kate Randall, 8 May 2019
The “Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act” marks a new stage in an orchestrated campaign to outlaw abortion.
Conflicts flare between Trump and House Democrats
By Patrick Martin, 7 May 2019
On a range of issues, the Trump administration is refusing to provide documents and witnesses subpoenaed by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.
The nationalist “socialism” of Bernie Sanders
By Patrick Martin, 6 May 2019
Sanders presents Chinese workers, the largest single contingent of the international working class, as the enemy of American workers.
Washington political warfare intensifies with lawsuits, looming contempt charges
By Patrick Martin, 4 May 2019
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which would handle impeachment proceedings, warned that “the system of not having a president as a dictator is very much at stake.”
Bernie Sanders attacks Biden from the right on China trade
By Ben McGrath, 4 May 2019
In criticizing the former vice president, Sanders echoed Trump's anti-China demagogy and economic nationalism.
US-China trade talks enter final phase
By Nick Beams, 4 May 2019
One of the main sticking points is agreement on the procedure by which US tariffs imposed on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods would be lifted if a trade agreement is reached.
The imperialist “lie in the soul”
Politicians celebrate “World Press Freedom Day” as Julian Assange languishes in prison
By David Walsh, 4 May 2019
No one associated with UNESCO or World Press Freedom Day made mention of the persecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during this week’s events.
US attorney general refuses to testify before House Judiciary Committee
By Patrick Martin, 2 May 2019
Barr’s decision came after a contentious day-long hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee where he took questions on his handling of the report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Biden holds first campaign rally in Pittsburgh-area union hall
By Patrick Martin, 30 April 2019
The former vice president appealed for support from working-class voters while embracing the organizations that have betrayed them.
New York Times column falsifies legacy of Eugene Debs
By Tom Mackaman, 30 April 2019
Isserman portrays the early American socialist as a moralistic reformer.
Trump orders officials to refuse congressional subpoenas
By Eric London, 29 April 2019
The Democrats have responded by threatening to withhold funds from noncomplying agencies and to jail administration officials who are in contempt of Congress.
Fascist gunman attacks California synagogue
By Patrick Martin, 29 April 2019
President Trump is the moral author of this latest expression of fascistic violence in America and internationally.
Former Vice President Biden officially enters Democratic presidential race
By Tom Hall, 26 April 2019
Biden’s announcement video focuses on the danger of Trump while concealing the role of the Obama-Biden administration in paving the way for Trump’s authoritarian politics.
Hillary Clinton’s McCarthyite rant
By Joseph Kishore, 26 April 2019
In a column published Wednesday in the Washington Post, the former Democratic Party presidential candidate resurrects the conspiracy theories that were the staple of Cold War anticommunism.
Conflict mounts between White House and Congress over subpoenas
By Patrick Martin, 25 April 2019
President Trump has ordered lower-ranking officials to refuse to testify or supply documents to any investigation by the House of Representatives into his business and political activities.
CIA Democrats enter the race: Seth Moulton announces bid for presidential nomination
By Tom Eley, 24 April 2019
The congressman is virtually unknown to voters, but he is a leading figure among the CIA Democrats.
What the Supreme Court is repudiating
The Enlightenment, the American Revolution and the ban on cruel and unusual punishment
By Ed Hightower, 24 April 2019
Recent US Supreme Court rulings in death penalty cases represent a vast, anti-democratic cultural, legal and political retrogression.
In wake of Mueller report: Democrats, media push anti-Russian hysteria
By Patrick Martin, 23 April 2019
In the wake of the release of the report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the Democratic Party and the bulk of the corporate media have decided to intensify their campaign of anti-Russian slander and provocation.
The Mueller report and the campaign against Russia
By Joseph Kishore, 20 April 2019
An editorial in the New York Times makes clear that the central purpose of the Democrats’ campaign against Trump has been to demand more aggressive action against Russia.
Armed militia detaining asylum seekers at gunpoint along US-Mexico border
By Meenakshi Jagadeesan and Niles Niemuth, 20 April 2019
An armed militia calling itself the United Constitutional Patriots posted videos of its members detaining hundreds of migrants at the New Mexico border, in actions seemingly coordinated with the Border Patrol.
CIA director called out for complicity in torture
By Trévon Austin, 20 April 2019
US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Gina Haspel was delivering a recruiting pitch to students at Auburn University on Thursday where she was called out by an audience member for her participation in torture and other crimes.
US education secretary to gut regulations, seek a “major shift” in higher education—Part 1
By Nancy Hanover, 20 April 2019
A crude assault on educational standards, which hardens the class divide in educational access and spurs the plundering of the “education market,” is being enacted under the cover of “rule-making” by the US Department of Education.
Trump administration escalates threats against Cuba
By Alexander Fangmann, 20 April 2019
The Trump administration is imposing unilateral sanctions aimed at punishing foreign corporations, particularly European and Canadian, with investments in Cuba.
Mueller report re-ignites political warfare in Washington
By Patrick Martin, 19 April 2019
Congressional Democrats and their media backers are seeking to use the findings of the investigation to boost their right-wing anti-Russia campaign.
US preparing more charges against Julian Assange
By Kristina Betinis, 19 April 2019
A report by CNN confirms the warnings made by the WSWS that if the journalist is extradited to the United States, additional, possibly capital, charges would be brought against him.
Bernie Sanders silent on Assange, vocal in promoting nationalism at Michigan rally
By Tom Hall, 15 April 2019
Sanders’ silence on Assange signals his support for the persecution of the former WikiLeaks editor.
Trump, ultra-right media target Representative Ilhan Omar
By Patrick Martin, 15 April 2019
The ongoing campaign of anti-Muslim vilification is an incitement to violence.
Who funded the ISO? An analysis of the financial basis of pseudo-left politics
By Eric London, 15 April 2019
The now defunct International Socialist Organization was funded by government-linked think tanks, wealthy Democrats and right-wing conservative groups.
Trump officials discussed using troops to run migrant detention camps
By Barry Grey, 13 April 2019
Trump has been able to carry through his anti-immigrant program, despite popular opposition, because the Democrats have done nothing to seriously oppose it.
In 3 A.M. ruling, Supreme Court allows Alabama execution to proceed
By Dan Conway, 13 April 2019
For the second time in as many weeks, the US Supreme Court has ruled that the execution of a death row inmate can proceed despite claims that the method of execution, lethal injection, will cause intense pain and suffering.
Julian Assange’s life is in danger
By Eric London, 13 April 2019
The official indictment by the US government against Assange is a transparent lie, aimed at providing the UK with a legal cover to extradite the WikiLeaks founder.
In meeting with Egyptian dictator, Trump rails against immigrants
By Niles Niemuth, 10 April 2019
Trump launched into a fascistic rant against asylum seekers and other immigrants on Tuesday while sitting side by side in the Oval Office with the butcher of Cairo.
The dictatorial impulse behind Trump’s political purge
By Patrick Martin, 9 April 2019
The abrupt firing of the DHS secretary and Secret Service chief are part of an effort to surround Trump with a loyal praetorian guard.
Bernie Sanders joins Trump’s attack on “open borders”
By Tom Hall, 9 April 2019
Sanders echoed the right-wing fraud that a nation with nearly 600 billionaires, whose net worth totals over $3 trillion, cannot afford to welcome people emigrating to the US to work.
Socialism haunts the American ruling class
By Andre Damon, 8 April 2019
Since Donald Trump vowed in his State of the Union address that “America will never be a socialist country,” the president has embraced anti-socialism as the defining theme of his 2020 reelection campaign.
Obama, Pelosi push Democrats further to the right
By Patrick Martin, 8 April 2019
Obama, who headed a thoroughly right-wing imperialist government, and House speaker Pelosi, who is married to a multi-millionaire real estate developer, have been working together in a joint effort to curb the activities of the “lefts” in the House Democratic caucus.
Baltimore, Maryland Mayor Catherine Pugh caught in widespread corruption scandal
By E.P. Milligan, 8 April 2019
It is now abundantly clear that Pugh accepted thinly-veiled bribes from health insurance giants and other corporate interests in exchange for kickbacks from the city budget.
Trump visits border to step up attack on immigrants
By Dan Conway, 6 April 2019
Trump’s visit took place two days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 280 immigrant workers in a raid on an electronics plant in Texas.
At Detroit panel discussion
DSA Democrat Rashida Tlaib opposes fight against GM plant shutdowns
By Shannon Jones, 4 April 2019
Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib spoke at a panel discussion Saturday at Wayne State University in Detroit, touting the Green New Deal while rejecting any fight to defend the jobs of GM workers facing layoff.
Democrat election meeting in Georgia bars “non-black” press
By Kranti Kumara, 3 April 2019
The Democratic Party in the US is taking racial politics to its logical conclusion by enforcing racial segregation at a campaign activity.
Beloit College students protest speech by Blackwater founder Erik Prince, prompting cancellation
By Jacob Crosse, 2 April 2019
The founder of the notorious mercenary group had been invited to speak at the private liberal arts school in Wisconsin by the local chapter of Young Americans for Freedom.
Factional provocation, middle-class hysteria, and the collapse of the International Socialist Organization
By the Political Committee of the Socialist Equality Party (US), 2 April 2019
Factionally motivated denunciations of an alleged cover-up of sexual assault in 2013 were revived to instigate a leadership purge and liquidate the ISO.
Trump administration ordered jails to hold thousands of US citizens for deportation
By Norisa Diaz, 30 March 2019
ICE sent the Miami-Dade County jails 420 detainer requests for US citizens over a two-year period, but across the country the numbers are in the unknown thousands.
Trump rants against socialism, but his administration’s crisis deepens
By Barry Grey, 30 March 2019
Behind Trump’s fascistic tirades and his gloating at the expense of the Democrats lie desperation and fear at the growth of social opposition in the working class.
Chicago mayoral run-off: The cost-cutter or the cop?
By Kristina Betinis, 29 March 2019
Two Democratic candidates, Toni Preckwinkle and Lori Lightfoot, are locked in a bitter fight for the mayor’s office.
Free Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning!
By Andre Damon, 28 March 2019
The fate of these political prisoners must be a focus of attention of the entire working class and all those who defend democratic rights.
Democrats abstain from voting on their own “Green New Deal”
By Genevieve Leigh, 28 March 2019
Despite the policy’s co-sponsorship by 100 Democrats, including 11 senators, not a single Democrat backed the Green New Deal in Tuesday’s Senate vote.
Washington’s political warfare intensifies following Mueller report
By Patrick Martin, 26 March 2019
Congressional Democrats and Trump traded accusations of treason in the wake of the Mueller report, which cleared the US president of collusion with Russia.
Democratic Socialists of America endorses Bernie Sanders presidential bid
By Genevieve Leigh, 23 March 2019
The predictable decision by the DSA, a faction of the Democratic Party, to back Sanders in the 2020 election was made official at Thursday’s meeting of the National Political Committee.
US Supreme Court rules government can indefinitely detain immigrants years after release from criminal custody
By Niles Niemuth, 20 March 2019
The ruling emboldens the Trump administration in its fascistic war on immigrants, giving Immigration and Customs Enforcement a free hand to detain any migrant who has served time for an offense.
Trump, Bolsonaro and the danger of fascism
By Patrick Martin, 20 March 2019
Trump hailed the “shared values” between his government and that of a former military officer, who praises the Brazilian military dictatorship that jailed, tortured and murdered tens of thousands of workers and students.
Trump administration expands leasing for oil, gas, coal extraction
By Patrick Martin, 19 March 2019
The latest assault on the environment took place on the day of worldwide protests over climate change.
California governor announces moratorium on death penalty
By Alan Gilman, 16 March 2019
The 737 condemned inmates in the nation’s largest death row will have their death sentences stayed for the duration of a moratorium issued by Governor Gavin Newsom.
In vetoing bill to overturn national emergency, Trump makes fascist appeal
By Barry Grey, 16 March 2019
Trump is seeking to establish an authoritarian regime outside of the normal constitutional and political channels and largely independent of both traditional big-business parties.
The Beto O’Rourke campaign for the Democratic Party presidential nomination: “Nothing will come of nothing”
By David Walsh, 16 March 2019
On Thursday, former Texas congressman Beto O’Rourke became the 15th declared candidate for the 2020 Democratic Party presidential nomination. The 15th so far .
US Senate votes to overturn Trump emergency decree
By Patrick Martin, 15 March 2019
The resolution has no immediate practical effect, because Trump will veto it and there is little prospect of an override by Congress, which requires a two-thirds vote.
Pelosi dismisses efforts to impeach President Trump
By Patrick Martin, 14 March 2019
The top Democrat in the House is wary of the political upheaval that impeachment could spark under conditions of a growing movement of the American working class.
New poll shows American youth are increasingly supportive of socialism
By Trévon Austin, 13 March 2019
The leftward shift among youth is a direct consequence of the failure of the capitalist system, which offers only war, austerity, and social disaster.
New York Times lines up with anti-China hawks
By Nick Beams, 12 March 2019
The key US demand is that China must make “structural” changes to its economy, including abandoning state subsidies to major industries.
A US budget for worldwide war
By Patrick Martin, 12 March 2019
The Trump administration is seeking a record $750 billion in military spending, more than the next 14 countries combined.
Chelsea Manning jailed for refusal to testify against WikiLeaks
By Patrick Martin, 9 March 2019
The courageous whistleblower has already been imprisoned for seven years and subjected to solitary confinement and torture for exposing US war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Democrats push through resolution branding Rep. Omar’s criticism of Israel as “anti-Semitic”
By Barry Grey, 8 March 2019
With this vote, the Democratic Party has joined with the Republicans and right-wing forces internationally in prosecuting a witch-hunt against a fabricated growth of “left-wing anti-Semitism.”
Democratic leaders step up witchhunt against Congresswoman Omar on phony anti-Semitism charges
By Barry Grey, 6 March 2019
This intimidation and character assassination is part of a drive to criminalize all criticism of the Israeli state's oppression of Palestinians by equating it with anti-Semitism.
House Democrats issue wide-ranging subpoenas in Trump investigation
By Patrick Martin, 5 March 2019
The House Judiciary Committee sent document demands to 81 organizations and individuals associated with the Trump Organization, the Trump campaign and the White House.
Bernie Sanders adapts to racial politics at Chicago campaign rally
By George Gallanis, 5 March 2019
Sanders’ speech in Chicago used his experiences in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, while a student at the University of Chicago, to make an appeal to identity politics.
The fallacies and evasions of the Green New Deal
By Bryan Dyne and Barry Grey, 5 March 2019
Democratic no less than Republican administrations have imposed austerity policies and prosecuted the decades-long social counterrevolution that continues today.
Sanders launches his campaign with a blast of demagogy
By Patrick Martin, 4 March 2019
Bernie Sanders’ speech in Brooklyn was an exercise in demagogy, because there exists no relationship between the reforms he envisages and any realistic strategy for their implementation.
Trump White House leads fascistic attack on socialism at Conservative Political Action Conference
By Niles Niemuth, 2 March 2019
The event opened Thursday with a five-and-a-half-minute video collage presenting the Democratic Party as a looming socialist threat from which only Trump and his supporters can save America.
US Federal Court subpoenas whistleblower Chelsea Manning
By Matthew Brennan, 2 March 2019
The subpoena provides no information as to what prosecutors intend to ask Manning, but all indications are that it is part of an effort by the US Department of Justice to escalate its pursuit of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Follow the WSWS