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US Politics

Socialist candidate for Congress Niles Niemuth submits thousands of signatures for ballot access in Michigan

By our reporter, 19 July 2018

Niles Niemuth, the Socialist Equality Party's candidate for US congress, formally filed for ballot access Wednesday, submitting nearly 6,000 signatures from residents of Michigan's 12th district.

In South Africa speech deploring “exploding inequality”

Obama boasts: “I’m surprised how much money I got”

By Barry Grey, 19 July 2018

Obama may be surprised at his recent entry into the American financial oligarchy, but it’s not for lack of effort on his part to “join the club.”

California Democratic Party leadership snubs Feinstein in reelection bid

By Dan Conway, 18 July 2018

The California Democratic Party leadership endorsed Senator Dianne Feinstein’s opponent, State Senator Kevin de Leon, although Feinstein is still heavily favored in the November election.

Democrats vow to vote against their own bill to abolish ICE

By Isaac Finn, 16 July 2018

The Democrats never had any intention of abolishing ICE, even though their so-called “abolition” would amount to little more than rebranding the agency.

Mass protests against Trump’s UK visit

By Chris Marsden, 14 July 2018

Friday’s protests by hundreds of thousands of people in London made clear that masses of workers throughout the world despise Trump and everything he stands for.

In run-up to Trump-Putin summit, Mueller charges 12 Russian officers with DNC email hack

By Bill Van Auken, 14 July 2018

The announcement of the criminal charges against the 12 Russians provoked a wave of hysteria from the US television news networks and Democratic Party officials.

Trump pardons far-right Oregon ranchers

By Alec Andersen, 14 July 2018

The pardons are part of the administration’s appeal to reactionary social layers as it prepares for war and further attacks on the working class.

Literacy and education for all is a social right!

By Niles Niemuth, 14 July 2018

Niles Niemuth, the Socialist Equality Party candidate for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, issued a statement condemning the June 29 court ruling in Detroit that there is “no right to literacy.”

Hearing on FBI role in 2016 election erupts in vicious conflict between right-wing politicians

By Patrick Martin, 13 July 2018

While Republicans sought to cross-examine former FBI official Peter Strzok about text messages expressing hostility to Trump, Democrats denounced the hearing as a “favor to Putin.”

Brett Kavanaugh: A reliably reactionary jurist

By Ed Hightower, 13 July 2018

Trump’s Supreme Court nominee boasts a record of reaction both as an attorney and as a judge

Ultra-nationalist US demagogue Stephen Bannon hails Australia’s new foreign interference laws

By James Cogan, 11 July 2018

The legislation is particularly admired by America’s far right, the Trump administration and the US military-intelligence establishment.

Mutiny on their knees: The Democratic Party’s phony opposition to the Kavanaugh nomination

By Patrick Martin, 11 July 2018

Despite public posturing, Senate Democrats have no intention of conducting any serious struggle against the confirmation of reactionary federal judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

Notes from the campaign trail

The impact of the US-backed war in Yemen on Michigan’s 12th district

By Niles Niemuth, 11 July 2018

The SEP’s congressional candidate has spoken to immigrant families on the issue of war and the impact of US imperialism on their lives.

Trump chooses second ultra-right Supreme Court justice

By Patrick Martin, 10 July 2018

Brett Kavanaugh is a reactionary in the mold of Trump’s first high court nominee, Neil Gorsuch.

Trump administration misses deadline to reunite immigrant children with parents

By Alec Andersen, 10 July 2018

The administration failed to meet a court-imposed deadline to reunite all undocumented immigrant children under the age of five with their parents, with more than half remaining in detention Tuesday.

Famed geneticist Francisco Ayala resigns following unsubstantiated allegations of sexual harassment

By Kimie Saito, 10 July 2018

The rapid removal of Ayala from his position at the University of California has provoked opposition from academics in the US and Europe.

“I demand a full and open investigation”

SEP candidate Niles Niemuth extends support to family and friends of Jacoby Hennings

By our reporters, 10 July 2018

Niles and supporters attended a memorial picnic Sunday for the young autoworker who died at the Ford Woodhaven Stamping plant on October 20, 2017.

US prosecutors dismiss charges for all remaining J20 defendants

By E.P. Milligan, 9 July 2018

The decision to drop charges against those arrested for opposing Trump's inauguration, exposes the fraud of the trials themselves.

EPA chief resigns amid ethics scandals

By Trévon Austin, 6 July 2018

Scott Pruitt, the target of as many as 13 federal investigations, personified the corrupt and reactionary character of the Trump administration.

Trump withdraws Obama guidances backing racial preferences in school admissions

By Barry Grey, 5 July 2018

There is nothing progressive or democratic about the policy of racial preferences, which has been used to cultivate privileged elites within minority populations.

The ISO’s Socialism 2018 Conference: Socialist phraseology in the service of American imperialism

By Alexander Fangmann, 5 July 2018

The International Socialist Organization’s (ISO) annual Socialism conference this weekend features several speakers who support the US-led regime-change war in Syria.

America on the Fourth of July: From Thomas Jefferson to Donald Trump

By Patrick Martin, 4 July 2018

The most fundamental right asserted by the Declaration of Independence is the right of the people to revolt against tyranny and despotism, a right that this generation will be called on to exercise.

Trump’s attack on the Department of Education

By Nancy Hanover, 4 July 2018

Trump and Education Secretary DeVos are calling for the merger of the Departments of Education and Labor in the name of “shrinking government” and “workforce development.”

SEP candidate Niles Niemuth speaks on Michigan Radio

By our reporters, 4 July 2018

The Socialist Equality Party candidate spoke with workers and young people in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and was interviewed on public radio Tuesday.

Democrats fast-track Trump’s Supreme Court pick

By Eric London, 3 July 2018

The announcement by the Democrats that they will not seek to block Trump’s Supreme Court appointee reveals certain truths about the two-party system.

Voices of the June 30 protests: Stop Trump’s persecution of immigrants!

By a reporting team, 3 July 2018

Hundreds of thousands turned out Saturday in demonstrations across the United States to defend the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers. Below we publish interviews with protesters from Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh and other cities.

Ocasio-Cortez on “Meet the Press”: Double-talk, evasion and a disavowal of socialism

By Barry Grey, 2 July 2018

After winning a Democratic congressional nomination in New York City, DSA member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has moved sharply to the right.

Who are Trump’s 25 candidates for the Supreme Court?

By Ed Hightower, 30 June 2018

Trump’s possible nominees span the ideological spectrum, from the far right to the arch-reactionary.

Supreme Court vacancy exposes bankruptcy of the Democratic Party

By Joseph Kishore, 29 June 2018

Trump’s shaping of the Supreme Court following the resignation of Anthony Kennedy will mark another stage in the consolidation of power by far-right, fascistic forces over the institutions of the American state.

What the New York primary victory of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez means

By Patrick Martin, 28 June 2018

A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Ocasio-Cortez offered not a hint of genuine socialism in her campaign.

Justice Anthony Kennedy announces retirement from Supreme Court

By Ed Hightower and Eric London, 28 June 2018

The retirement of the “swing vote” justice gives Trump the opportunity to shift the court to the far-right.

US primaries choose Democratic, Republican nominees in seven states

By Patrick Martin, 28 June 2018

Four more candidates with backgrounds in the military-intelligence apparatus won Democratic nominations Tuesday in competitive congressional seats.

SEP candidate Niles Niemuth wins support from workers and youth in Ann Arbor, Michigan

By our reporter, 28 June 2018

Students and workers who signed to put Niles on the ballot spoke out against the attacks on immigrants and imperialist war.

Technology giants hold censorship meeting with US intelligence agencies

By Will Morrow, 27 June 2018

The Washington Post described the meeting as a “new overture by the technology industry to develop closer ties to law enforcement.”

DSA member Ocasio-Cortez beats incumbent Congressman in New York Democratic Party primary

By Isaac Finn, 27 June 2018

In a major political upset, Democratic Socialists of America member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won the Democratic Party primary for New York’s 14th Congressional District against incumbent Congressman Joe Crowley.

US Supreme Court sides with anti-abortion fanatics who operate fake health centers

By Tom Carter, 27 June 2018

Yesterday’s decision is yet another victory for Christian fundamentalists and the campaign to use “freedom of religion” to undermine the separation of church and state, legalize discrimination and obstruct access to health care.

Citing tariffs, Harley-Davidson to move US production to Europe

By Jacob Crosse, 27 June 2018

In response to the developing trade war between the US and Europe, motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson said it is shifting some production to international facilities.

The new Dred Scott: Supreme Court upholds Trump travel ban

By Eric London, 27 June 2018

By upholding Trump’s power to seal the country’s borders, the court has granted the president limitless authority to enact his fascistic policies against immigrants and political opponents.

Socialist Equality Party to run Niles Niemuth for Michigan’s 12th Congressional district

Socialist Equality Party, 27 June 2018

In the November 6 midterm elections, Niles will run on a socialist, anti-war and anti-capitalist program in the interests of the working class in Michigan and around the world.

Sex and the New York Times: When “Her Too” isn’t “Me Too”

By David Walsh, 27 June 2018

The New York Times discovers nuance in sexual behavior when it involves a reporter and a valuable source.

In defense of the Red Hen

By Andre Damon, 26 June 2018

The Washington Post and leading Democrats have lined up with Donald Trump in condemning protests against Trump administration officials over human rights violations on the Mexican border.

Teachers and the political struggle

By Nancy Hanover and Jerry White, 26 June 2018

In the aftermath of the union betrayal of their strikes and protests, teachers are running for seats in their state legislatures in unprecedented numbers, posing fundamental political issues for the working class.

Concentration camps in America

By Eric London, 25 June 2018

The social force that can and must halt the drive toward dictatorship is the working class, the central target of the assault on democratic rights.

“Nobody knows what is going to happen next”

Residents of Salem, Ohio, remain in shock after immigration raid

By Zac Corrigan and Shannon Jones, 25 June 2018

The raid last week by federal agents has traumatized the immigrant community, ripping families apart and making others afraid to leave their homes.

As public anger grows over childhood detention centers

Thousands participate in San Diego protest against treatment of immigrants

By Meenakshi Jagadeesen, 25 June 2018

The protest was led by groups with ties to the Democratic Party, which has facilitated and prepared the way for Trump’s fascistic attack on immigrants.

Open letter by Amazon workers opposes contracts with immigration and police agencies

By Kayla Costa, 25 June 2018

The Amazon workers wrote that they were “deeply concerned” that the company was implicated in Trump’s immoral immigration policy and was “providing infrastructure and services that enable ICE and DHS.”

Protests continue in Pittsburgh over police killing of unarmed teen

By Samuel Davidson, 25 June 2018

Hundreds of people continue to hold daily demonstrations to express their outrage over the murder of unarmed 17-year-old Antwon Rose, Jr. last week.

US House approves massive reductions in food stamp benefits

By Dan Conway, 25 June 2018

The Farm Bill’s main aim is to slash food assistance to the more than 42 million people currently receiving aid.

How the DSA bolsters the Democratic Party establishment: The case of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

By Isaac Finn, 23 June 2018

The DSA congressional candidate in a New York City district is sowing illusions that the Democratic Party establishment can be pushed to the left.

Trump administration plans sweeping government restructure to cut social programs

By Matthew Taylor, 22 June 2018

The proposed reorganization of federal agencies and cabinet departments includes the merger of the labor and education departments.

US becomes first nation to quit UN human rights body

By Bill Van Auken, 20 June 2018

The decision came after the head of the council condemned both Washington’s policy of separating children from their families at the border and the US-backed war in Yemen.

Left Forum gathering’s “strategy for the left”: Support the Democratic Party

By Sandy English, 20 June 2018

The orientation to the Wall Street and CIA Democrats was very clear at this year’s gathering in New York City of assorted opponents of revolutionary socialism.

Conflict escalates over FBI role in 2016 elections

By Patrick Martin, 18 June 2018

While the lead investigator in the Clinton and Trump-Russia probes was anti-Trump, pro-Trump FBI agents were in secret communication with congressional Republicans.

Jailing of ex-Trump campaign manager signals new stage in Washington's political wars

By Barry Grey, 16 June 2018

The jailing of Manafort expresses the ferocious character of the struggle that is raging between rival factions in the US capitalist class and its state apparatus.

Inspector general’s report fuels Trump-FBI conflict

By Patrick Martin, 15 June 2018

The report found that FBI Director James Comey violated Justice Department guidelines in his public statements during the 2016 election campaign about the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server.

The Democratic National Committee lawsuit against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange: A major attack on press freedom

By Ed Hightower, 15 June 2018

Should the Democratic Party prevail, journalists could face criminal prosecution and civil damages any time they reported on unlawful government or corporate activity.

US prosecutors drop charges against additional eight J20 defendants

By E.P. Milligan, 15 June 2018

The motion to dismiss charges, far from signifying a change of heart, is a temporary strategic retreat by the prosecution.

Democrats choose former CIA agent for congressional nomination

By Patrick Martin, 14 June 2018

Abigail Spanberger is one of three candidates from the national security apparatus who won Democratic congressional nominations Tuesday, bringing the total to 27.

Canadian establishment rallies behind Trudeau in trade war with US

By Roger Jordan, 13 June 2018

The collapse of last weekend’s G7 summit into acrimony and recrimination has thrown the Canada-US alliance into unprecedented crisis.

The Singapore summit and the growing war threat

By Bill Van Auken, 13 June 2018

The meeting between Trump and Kim heralds not a new era of peace in Northeast Asia, but rather the continuing shakeup of the global geopolitical order that is paving the way to war.

Trump and Kim prepare for Tuesday’s unpredictable summit

By Ben McGrath, 11 June 2018

No matter the results of the meeting, it will only exacerbate the underlying US conflict with China.

US special operations soldier killed, four others wounded in Somalia

By Bill Van Auken, 11 June 2018

The threat is emerging that Somalia will become the arena for the same kind of US-backed bloodbath that is being carried out, on the opposite side of the Gulf of Aden, in Yemen.

The G7 summit collapses

By Alex Lantier, 11 June 2018

The acrimonious breakdown of the G7 summit gave jarring expression to the tensions ripping apart the crisis-ridden world geopolitical order.

Study notes “devastating ramifications” of Trump’s anti-abortion “global gag rule”

By Benjamin Mateus, 8 June 2018

Trump’s revised Mexico City Policy, known by its critics as the global gag rule, essentially blocks US federal funding for international organizations that provide counseling, referrals or services for abortion in low-income nations.

US primary elections in eight states confirm rightward shift by Democratic Party

By Patrick Martin, 7 June 2018

At least five candidates with a background in the national-security apparatus won Democratic congressional nominations Tuesday, continuing a year-long trend.

Socialist Equality Party wins significant vote in California primary elections

By Jonathan Burleigh, 7 June 2018

David Moore, the SEP candidate for Senate, won 14,465 votes, or 0.4 percent, and Kevin Mitchell, the SEP candidate for House in the 51st district, received 900 votes, or 1.9 percent.

“Absolute right to pardon myself”

Trump expands claims of autocratic power

By Barry Grey, 6 June 2018

Trump’s assertion of supreme power comes in the context of a massive and unprecedented assault on democratic rights by the entire political establishment.

Trump rescinds Philadelphia Eagles’ White House invitation in latest provocation against NFL players

By Alan Gilman, 6 June 2018

On Monday, the day before the football team was to be honored for their Super Bowl championship at the White House, President Donald Trump disinvited the team.

The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy and the end of American liberalism

By Patrick Martin, 6 June 2018

The events of 1968 marked the effective end of any prospect for liberal reforms under American capitalism.

A day of reaction at the US Supreme Court

By Eric London, 5 June 2018

In two separate decisions, the US Supreme Court set back rights for immigrants, the right to abortion, and protections for gay and lesbian couples.

Trump lawyers claim unlimited presidential authority

By Patrick Martin, 4 June 2018

The purpose of the January letter was to respond to pressure from the special counsel for Trump to testify under oath about a range of issues.

US media turns blind eye to the death of 5,000 Puerto Ricans

By Genevieve Leigh, 4 June 2018

The Harvard study on the impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico is a damning exposure of one of the most monstrous cover-ups in US history.

The New York Times and the murder that wasn’t

By Andre Damon, 1 June 2018

The response to the staged murder of the Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko stands as an exposure of the US media.

Fed eases “Volcker Rule” limits on bank speculation

By Patrick Martin, 1 June 2018

The move is the latest step in a systematic campaign to lift even the mild restrictions on bank activities imposed after the 2008 Wall Street crash.

Leading Democratic activists accidentally share photos of immigrants detained under Obama administration

By Genevieve Leigh, 29 May 2018

Former Obama administration officials shared 2014 pictures of immigrant children sleeping in cages in immigration prisons in a hypocritical attempt to discredit Trump for his anti-immigrant policies.

Trump calls off summit with North Korea

By James Cogan, 25 May 2018

Even as it threatens nuclear war, the Trump administration has not given up on trying to draw North Korea into a rapprochement.

Mark Zuckerberg testifies in Brussels as European Union and Facebook intensify internet censorship

By Johannes Stern, 25 May 2018

Under the guise of fighting “fake news” and Russian interference in elections, Facebook is carrying out a vast programme of internet censorship

Congressional leaders receive briefing on Trump campaign informant

By Patrick Martin, 25 May 2018

After initially barring Democrats from the briefing, the White House retreated and agreed to two bipartisan sessions.

Northwestern University roundtable discusses regime change in Russia

By Marcus Day and Kristina Betinis, 25 May 2018

The Buffet Institute of Global Studies’ main speaker was Strobe Talbott, former deputy secretary of state in the Clinton administration, president of the Brookings Institution and architect of US imperialist strategy.

US primaries: Military-intelligence candidates win four Democratic congressional nominations

By Patrick Martin, 24 May 2018

The results from voting Tuesday extend the takeover of the Democratic Party by former operatives of the national security apparatus.

White House meeting on probe of Trump campaign informant

By Patrick Martin, 22 May 2018

Trump and congressional Republicans are pressing their claims that the FBI infiltrated the Trump campaign in 2016 at the behest of the Obama administration.

Bernie Sanders defends American imperialism at town hall on Iran

By Tom Hall, 22 May 2018

Sanders, along with his guests, presented a thoroughly conventional, pro-imperialist critique of the Trump administration’s decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear accord.

Long-time CIA asset named as FBI’s spy on Trump campaign

By Bill Van Auken, 21 May 2018

Stefan Halper has been named as the individual sent by the FBI to spy on the Trump campaign during the 2016 election campaign.

US education secretary attacks separation of church and state

By Nancy Hanover, 21 May 2018

Betsy DeVos visits New York yeshivas to promote public financing of religious and private schools.

Democrats defend FBI following reports it spied on Trump's election campaign

By Barry Grey, 19 May 2018

The Democratic response has been to rush to the defense of the FBI and declare unqualified support for its operations, as well as those of the Central Intelligence Agency.

The US political police and the 2016 elections

By Patrick Martin, 18 May 2018

A 4,000-word front-page report in the New York Times paints a picture of an American political system in which the FBI and CIA play a critical and at times decisive role.

Senate Intelligence Committee approves “black site” torturer to head CIA

By Barry Grey, 17 May 2018

Behind the threadbare trappings of parliamentary procedures, American “democracy” has been reduced to a dictatorship run by a military/intelligence/industrial apparatus.

US primary elections show deepening political polarization

By Patrick Martin, 17 May 2018

While working people are moving to the left, the Democratic Party is promoting as its main candidates for federal offices individuals drawn from the military-intelligence apparatus.

Two Senate Democrats assure Haspel’s confirmation as CIA director

By Patrick Martin, 15 May 2018

Joe Donnelly of Indiana joined Joe Manchin of West Virginia to give the former torture supervisor a seemingly unassailable margin in the Senate.

Two voices of concern over Trump’s “New World Order”

By Nick Beams, 15 May 2018

One has the sense from both articles of the growing fears in ruling circles of the consequences of the US economic and foreign policy agenda for the stability of the world capitalist system.

Overtures continue ahead of Trump-North Korea summit

By James Cogan, 14 May 2018

Secretary of State Pompeo indicated that the US objective is to bring the North Korean regime within its sphere of influence.

Hillary Clinton demands Australia and New Zealand act against “Chinese interference”

By Mike Head, 14 May 2018

Clinton’s whipping up of anti-Chinese sentiment in Australia and New Zealand was accompanied by her appeals to affluent feminist layers.

Republican reactionaries, CIA Democrats win primary nominations

By Patrick Martin, 10 May 2018

Democratic and Republican nominees were chosen Tuesday for three governorships, three Senate seats, and 41 congressional districts.

US Senate pays homage to CIA torturer

By Bill Van Auken, 10 May 2018

Gina Haspel, nominated by Trump to head the CIA, defended her intimate role in the torture of detainees as “lawful” at her Senate confirmation hearing.

White House and ex-intelligence chiefs push torture veteran as CIA director

By Bill Van Auken, 9 May 2018

With a public Senate hearing set for Wednesday, supporters of Gina Haspel for the post of CIA director argue that her role in the agency’s torture program is outweighed by her anti-Russia record.

Who is Democratic Congressman Juan Vargas?

By Kevin Mitchell SEP candidate for Congress, 5 May 2018

The Democratic politician who claims to represent the people of California's 51st congressional district is really a loyal servant of Wall Street and the Pentagon.

Washington’s political wars escalate

FBI monitored phone calls of Trump’s personal lawyer

By Barry Grey, 4 May 2018

The fact that the federal government’s chief police agency is monitoring telephone communications between the president and his lawyer points to the explosive level of conflict within the American ruling class.