US Politics
Epstein scandal engulfs Britain’s Royal family after BBC interview with Prince Andrew
By Chris Marsden, 20 November 2019
Prince Andrew maintained his relations with Epstein long after the sex offender and trafficker was convicted for his crimes.
As second week of public hearings begins
Pelosi doubles down on anti-Russia politics of impeachment inquiry
By Barry Grey, 19 November 2019
Pelosi once again defined as the sole issue in the Democrats’ case for impeachment the charge that Trump endangered US “national security” and strengthened Russia.
Former US Secretary of State Kissinger points to danger of “catastrophic” conflict between US and China
By Nick Beams, 16 November 2019
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has warned of an inevitable “conflict” between the US and China that “will be worse than the world wars that ruined European civilisation.”
Seeking to cultivate fascistic base, Trump pardons two war criminals and promotes a third
By Evan Blake, 16 November 2019
Trump’s unprecedented pardoning of war criminals highlights the authoritarian character of his administration.
Roger Stone conviction affirms he lied about having connections with WikiLeaks
By Kevin Reed, 16 November 2019
The conviction of Roger Stone on all seven federal offenses shows, contrary to the fabrications in the corporate media, that he lied about having a relationship with Julian Assange and WikiLeaks.
The Trump impeachment and US policy in Ukraine
By Patrick Martin, 16 November 2019
The public hearings on impeachment have brought to light bitter recriminations within the US ruling elite sparked by the failure of its anti-Russia efforts in Ukraine.
Leaked emails reveal Trump aide Stephen Miller’s fascist politics
By Trévon Austin, 15 November 2019
Emails published by the Southern Poverty Law Center show Stephen Miller, White House senior adviser in charge of immigration policy, espousing racist views and promoting white supremacist and neo-Nazi publications.
Democrats begin impeachment hearings with denunciations of Russia
By Patrick Martin, 14 November 2019
The first day of public, televised hearings demonstrates that in the impeachment conflict two right-wing factions of the ruling class are fighting out differences over foreign policy.
Bloomberg and his fellow oligarchs lay down the law: Not a penny more in taxes
By Barry Grey, 14 November 2019
The American financial oligarchy is indignant over any possibility of having to give up a part of their fortune to pay for things such as health care, education, housing and a livable environment.
Public impeachment hearings to escalate political warfare in Washington
By Barry Grey, 13 November 2019
The bitter conflict within the state is between two right-wing factions of the ruling class that have been battling one another over foreign policy questions since Trump’s nomination as the Republican candidate for president.
Trump threatens “substantial” increase in anti-China tariffs
By Nick Beams, 13 November 2019
In a speech to the New York Economic Club, Trump claimed, amid falling GDP numbers, that his administration had “launched an economic boom the likes of which we have never seen before.”
Amazon-led corporate purge of Seattle City Council fails
By Kayla Costa and Julio Patron, 12 November 2019
Five of six city council members targeted for supporting higher taxes on Amazon won reelection, including Kshama Sawant, a member of the pseudo-left Socialist Alternative group.
Another leading House Republican decides to retire
By Philip Guelpa, 12 November 2019
Representative Peter King’s decision not to run for re-election exemplifies the growing crisis of the Republican Party.
The Democrats’ campaign for internet censorship: Who is to determine what are “lies”?
By Andre Damon, 9 November 2019
While couched in demagogic language accusing Facebook of “profiting” off of “disinformation,” the Democrats’ campaign for internet censorship is aimed at silencing political opposition and dissent.
Billionaire ex-NYC Mayor Bloomberg takes steps to run for Democratic nomination
By Barry Grey, 9 November 2019
Whether or not he decides to run, Bloomberg’s move is clearly calculated to shift the Democratic campaign further to the right.
Democratic Socialists of America “International Committee” denounces “reckless” withdrawal of US troops from Syria
By Genevieve Leigh, 9 November 2019
The response of the DSA to Trump’s announced troop withdrawals from Syria is indistinguishable from that of the Democratic Party and Trump’s critics within the military and intelligence apparatus.
White House appears increasingly isolated in impeachment crisis
By Patrick Martin, 8 November 2019
The CIA-instigated impeachment inquiry will begin public hearings next week with a parade of State Department witnesses.
For a kinder, gentler assault on immigrants
Bernie Sanders unveils immigration plan
By Kevin Martinez, 8 November 2019
The Democratic presidential candidate rhetorically attacks theworst of Trump’s immigration policies but would keep the border regimeintact.
Democrats’ gains in Tuesday’s elections reflect shifts within the upper-middle class
By Patrick Martin, 7 November 2019
In Tuesday’s state and local elections, Democrats made their biggest gains in upscale suburban areas.
Uncertainty hangs over US-China trade deal
By Nick Beams, 6 November 2019
There has been no agreement from Washington to withdraw any of the tariff measures already imposed because it wants to ensure China complies with US-dictated terms.
Democrats make gains in off-year elections
By Patrick Martin, 6 November 2019
In the biggest single contest, for governor of Kentucky, Democrat Andy Beshear unseated incumbent Republican Matt Bevin, despite a last-minute appearance by President Trump.
US impeachment inquiry releases first transcripts
By Patrick Martin, 5 November 2019
The publication of the testimony of two top State Department officials marks a new stage in the impeachment effort.
Elizabeth Warren unveils her “Medicare for All” electoral gimmick
By Kate Randall, 5 November 2019
The ruling elite will resist to the end any infringement, however minimal, on its ability to accumulate wealth at the expense of the working class.
Chicago teachers denounce union’s sellout agreement as Bernie Sanders, Democrats claim “victory”
By George Marlowe, 5 November 2019
Despite the official celebration, the CTU’s tentative agreement for a five-year contract entirely accepts the terms set by Chicago Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
US Attorney General William Barr and the establishment of religion
By Ed Hightower, 5 November 2019
Barr’s speech last month at Notre Dame was effectively a call for the repudiating the First Amendment and abolishing the separation of church and state.
Comparing two impeachments
By Barry Grey and Andre Damon, 2 November 2019
In light of Thursday’s vote in the House of Representatives to formalize the impeachment inquiry against Trump, it is worth contrasting the events now unfolding in Washington to those that led to the resignation of Richard Nixon 45 years ago.
US House of Representatives votes to back impeachment inquiry
By Patrick Martin, 1 November 2019
The vote sets the stage for public hearings and the approval of formal articles of impeachment, perhaps within the month.
Independent pathologist says evidence shows Jeffrey Epstein’s death was a homicide
By Kevin Reed, 31 October 2019
Private pathologist Dr. Michael Baden found that substantial forensic evidence exists showing that jailed multi-millionaire Jeffrey Epstein was the victim of “ligature homicidal strangulation” and did not commit suicide.
Trump’s booing at the World Series makes Democrats and the media nervous
By David Walsh, 31 October 2019
What upsets all these people, in the final analysis, is the thought of masses of people taking matters into their hands, outside the established channels, including the “authoritative” media outlets.
Democrats to hold House vote to authorize impeachment inquiry
By Barry Grey, 30 October 2019
The political character of those within the military and intelligence agencies with whom the Democrats are aligned is reflected in the Trump officials who have defied White House orders and agreed to testify in the impeachment inquiry.
The global youth radicalization and the fight for socialism
By Eric London, 30 October 2019
The political awakening of the most educated, urbanized and technologically interconnected generation in history is of critical strategic significance for the entire working class.
Detroit Democrat John Conyers, long-standing fixture in Congress, dies at 90
By Patrick Martin, 30 October 2019
Conyers spent most of his political career using left rhetoric in an attempt to obscure the rightward evolution of the Democratic Party.
Seventy percent of US Millennials say they are likely to vote socialist
By Genevieve Leigh, 29 October 2019
The growing interest in and support for socialism coincides with a significant growth of class struggle and social protest internationally.
Trump booed at World Series game
By Patrick Martin, 29 October 2019
The incident came only hours after Trump’s nationally televised gloating over the assassination of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Right-wing politics in a “left” wrapper: Elizabeth Warren’s plan for education
By Nancy Hanover, 29 October 2019
Now hovering at the top of the field, Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren continues her “left” populist appeal with her new education plan.
Justice Department probe of Russia-Trump inquiry has become a “criminal investigation”
By Patrick Martin, 26 October 2019
The Trump administration is using the Justice Department investigation as a counterweight to the House impeachment inquiry.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backs internet censorship
By Kevin Reed and Andre Damon, 25 October 2019
At a hearing Wednesday, Ocasio-Cortez demanded that Facebook “fact-check” political statements and “take down lies,” endorsing calls by the intelligence agencies for technology companies to censor the internet.
Trump urges congressional Republicans to “take the gloves off” in impeachment crisis
By Patrick Martin, 24 October 2019
The White House has been panicked by signs of erosion of support against impeachment among congressional Republicans.
Top US diplomat in Ukraine tells impeachment inquiry Trump tied military aid to Biden probe
By Niles Niemuth, 23 October 2019
The effort to impeach Trump has gained steam in the aftermath of his decision to order the withdrawal of troops from northeastern Syria.
Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez use “left” demagogy to channel opposition to Trump behind Democrats
By Isaac Finn, 22 October 2019
At Sanders’ first rally since his heart attack, he did not mention ongoing strikes by autoworkers and teachers, or the impeachment inquiry against Trump.
Workers and students speak at Sanders rally in New York
By our reporters, 22 October 2019
The WSWS discussed issues of war, healthcare and the role of the Democratic Party in capturing and destroying social movements against capitalism.
Military brass denounce Trump’s withdrawal of troops from Syria
By Barry Grey, 21 October 2019
The extraordinary intervention of high-ranking retired generals is a breach of the core constitutional principle of the subordination of the military to civilian authority.
The death of Elijah Cummings: Democrats, media glorify a mediocrity
By Patrick Martin, 21 October 2019
The real purpose of the flowery tributes was to give a “progressive” gloss to the House Democrats' impeachment campaign, in which Cummings played a significant role.
Hillary Clinton slanders Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Green Party candidate Jill Stein as Russian spies
By Andre Damon, 19 October 2019
Clinton’s claims, made without the slightest factual substantiation, are an attempt to criminalize the anti-war statements of the two candidates as treasonous.
As president delivers fascistic speech in Dallas
Democrats link Trump impeachment drive to dissent in military over Syria pullback
By Barry Grey, 19 October 2019
Retired Special Operations Commander William McRaven published an op-ed piece in the New York Times Thursday calling for Trump’s removal “the sooner, the better.”
Democratic debate shows cross-party support for imperialist intervention in Syria
By Patrick Martin, 17 October 2019
All 12 candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination called for a continued US military presence.
Spanish government threatens broader crackdown as mass protests escalate in Catalonia
By Alejandro López and Alex Lantier, 17 October 2019
Mass protests and street fighting erupted in cities across Catalonia for a third night running yesterday over the fraudulent conviction of 12 Catalan nationalist politicians
A rare moment of truth on the US support for Al Qaeda
By Patrick Martin, 17 October 2019
Representative Tulsi Gabbard described the terrorist group as the “ground force” for the American “regime-change” operation in Syria.
Testimony highlights key role of Bolton in impeachment inquiry against Trump
By Barry Grey, 16 October 2019
The forces with which the Democrats are aligned include Bolton, who speaks for the most rabidly militaristic factions of the neo-conservative right wing.
The Democrats support the “Forever War”
By Bill Van Auken, 16 October 2019
The Democratic Party’s saber-rattling response to the Syrian fiasco helps Trump fraudulently posture as an opponent of war.
Trump conference video incites violence against opponents
By Patrick Martin, 15 October 2019
The gruesome video imagines Trump using guns, knives, spears and other weapons to slaughter his critics in the media and the Democratic Party.
US Supreme Court term begins with new threats to democratic rights
By Ed Hightower, 15 October 2019
The newly consolidated 5-4 far-right majority on the court is poised to hand down rulings imposing further restrictions on abortion rights, gay rights and basic civil liberties.
Seattle Democrats endorse Socialist Alternative’s Kshama Sawant
By Julio Patron, 12 October 2019
As the working class moves to the left, Kshama Sawant and Socialist Alternative are even more fully integrating themselves into the Democratic Party.
Trump makes fascistic appeal to police and military at Minneapolis rally
By Patrick Martin, 11 October 2019
The president spoke at his first rally since the start of the impeachment inquiry with dozens of red-shirted police as a backdrop, and any protesters physically removed.
SEP and IYSSE meeting series in the United States
Race, Class and the Fight for Socialism: Perspectives for the Coming Revolution in America
11 October 2019
This meeting series will refute the historical falsifications advanced in the New York Times “1619 Project,” explain their underlying political motivations and present the strategy for socialist revolution in America today.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's “Just Society”: Palliatives that will never be implemented
By Genevieve Leigh, 11 October 2019
Most of the proposals involve tweaks and adjustments to existing laws, with little new funding to address social needs.
Trump asserts unchecked presidential powers
By Patrick Martin, 10 October 2019
Trump’s attorneys are arguing that neither state prosecutors nor Congress have any power over the chief executive.
Why do the CIA assassins and coup-plotters love this “whistleblower”?
By Patrick Martin, 9 October 2019
The CIA official who filed a formal whistleblower complaint against Trump is being defended by those who spent eight years under the Obama administration persecuting whistleblowers.
US protects NSA spy’s wife wanted in UK over teenager’s death
By Laura Tiernan, 9 October 2019
Anne Sacoolas is wanted by police over the death of the young motorcyclist in Northamptonshire on August 27 but left the UK claiming diplomatic immunity
Trump White House declares it will not cooperate with impeachment inquiry
By Joseph Kishore, 9 October 2019
The Democrats have chosen quite deliberately to base their opposition to Trump on the most reactionary, anti-democratic grounds possible: support for the intelligence agencies and American imperialism.
“Meet the Press” anchor Chuck Todd grills senator: “You don’t trust the FBI and CIA?”
By Barry Grey, 8 October 2019
An exchange between “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd and Senator Ron Johnson sums up the right-wing basis on which the Democratic Party is conducting its impeachment drive against Trump.
Trump continues to defy Democrats’ impeachment inquiry
By Barry Grey, 5 October 2019
On Friday, President Donald Trump stepped up his defiance of the impeachment inquiry launched by the Democrats with the support of the intelligence agencies.
Trump announces plan to further privatize Medicare
By Patrick Martin, 4 October 2019
The Democrats are basing their impeachment drive not on opposition to Trump’s fascistic attack on immigrants and pro-corporate social policies, but on claims that he is not pursuing US foreign policy aggressively enough.
Bernie Sanders halts campaign activities over health crisis
By Patrick Martin, 4 October 2019
The candidate for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination was hospitalized Wednesday in Las Vegas, Nevada and received two stents in an artery.
Impeachment crisis: Trump, Democrats exchange threats and warnings
By Patrick Martin, 3 October 2019
Two press conferences Wednesday gave sharp expression to the divisions within the US political establishment.
Democrats exclude Trump’s fascist anti-immigrant policies from impeachment inquiry
By Eric London, 3 October 2019
According to the New York Times, Trump called for electrifying the border fence and shooting immigrants as they entered the US.
Trump, Democrats dig in as impeachment drive escalates
By Barry Grey, 2 October 2019
Many within the ruling class are taking Trump’s talk of civil war as a serious threat.
Trump threatens “civil war” as Democrats escalate impeachment campaign
By Andre Damon, 1 October 2019
President Donald Trump, in an implicit threat of violence against his political opponents, suggested late Sunday that the Democrats’ efforts to remove him from office could precipitate a “civil war.”
Hunter Biden made $850,000 on board of Ukraine gas company
By Patrick Martin, 1 October 2019
Joe Biden’s son cashed in on his father’s position in the Obama-Biden administration.
CIA sets terms for Democrats’ impeachment inquiry into Trump’s crimes
By Joseph Kishore, 28 September 2019
Both factions in the political warfare that has erupted in Washington are hostile to the democratic and social rights of the working class.
Trump lowers cap on refugees to record low of 18,000
By Barry Grey, 28 September 2019
This latest move tightens the virtual ban on people fleeing poverty, violence and persecution around the world.
Spanish security firm spied on Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy for US intelligence
By Kevin Reed, 28 September 2019
A defense and security firm based in Spain that was hired to protect the Ecuadorian embassy in London provided secret audio and video recordings of Julian Assange to US intelligence.
Release of CIA whistleblower complaint intensifies political civil war in Washington
By Andre Damon, 27 September 2019
The complaint by the CIA agent assigned to the White House alleges that US President Trump “is using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 US election.”
In photo op at GM picket line, Sanders promotes nationalism, covers for Democrats and UAW
By Tom Hall, 26 September 2019
Bernie Sanders put in a brief media appearance on the picket line at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant Wednesday morning.
Impeachment drive against Trump deepens US political crisis
By Patrick Martin, 26 September 2019
The working class must break free of both reactionary political factions—the Democratic Party, aligned with the military-intelligence apparatus and Wall Street, and the Trump administration.
House Democrats launch formal impeachment inquiry against Trump
By Patrick Martin, 25 September 2019
The action is a major escalation in the factional warfare within the US ruling elite, which revolves largely around differences over foreign policy.
Elizabeth Warren promotes economic nationalism at Detroit GM workers’ picket line
By Shannon Jones, 23 September 2019
The UAW is desperately seeking to shut down the strike, which cuts across their corporatist relations with management and threatens to spark a wider movement in the working class.
Joe Biden: A familiar face, a deeply reactionary record
By Patrick Martin, 23 September 2019
Obama’s vice president for two terms, Biden is identified with some of the worst crimes of the American government over the past 50 years, including wars in the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.
US House retirements signal deepening crisis for Republican Party
By Tom Carter, 6 August 2019
Kenny Marchant of Texas is the twelfth on the “casualty list” of Republicans leaving office this term and the fourth from Texas to announce his retirement in recent weeks.
The Democratic presidential candidates: A socialist assessment
Beto O’Rourke: The incredible shrinking empty suit
By Ed Hightower, 6 August 2019
After rocketing into prominence in a failed 2018 campaign for US Senate, the former Texas congressman has plummeted from “co-frontrunner” status to near-invisibility.
Rashida Tlaib defends Democratic Party collaboration with Trump on immigration
By Nick Barrickman, 3 August 2019
The Democratic congresswoman, a member of the DSA, demands “more training” for agents inflicting gross human rights violations.
Trump escalates trade war against China
By Nick Beams, 2 August 2019
The decision to impose a 10 percent tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, covering a wide range of consumer products, represents the most significant intensification of the more than year-long trade war to date.
The Democratic Party politics of the “Democratic Socialists of America”
By Joseph Kishore, 2 August 2019
Under conditions of a growing political radicalization of workers and youth, the DSA serves as a principal block to the development of a genuine socialist movement.
The Democratic debate: A right-wing party unmasked
By Patrick Martin, 1 August 2019
In the course of two nights of debate, and particularly the second one, the Democratic presidential candidates took turns exposing each others’ right-wing and anti-working-class records.
The Democrats and Detroit
By Jerry White, 1 August 2019
The bitter experience of Detroit workers exposes the claims by Sanders, Warren and others that the Democrats represent a genuine alternative to Trump’s reactionary policies.
Judge dismisses DNC lawsuit
US federal court exposes Democratic Party conspiracy against Assange and WikiLeaks
By Eric London, 31 July 2019
The decision exposes the Democratic Party in a conspiracy to attack free speech and cover up the crimes of US imperialism and the two parties of Wall Street.
Trump continues racist diatribes
By Tom Hall, 30 July 2019
Trump’s aim is to stoke up a civil war atmosphere to justify dictatorial measures.
Trump names ultra-right congressman as intelligence chief
By Patrick Martin, 30 July 2019
Trump named Representative John Ratcliffe to replace Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, who resigned effective August 15.
The political strategy behind Trump’s racist diatribe against Baltimore
By Joseph Kishore, 29 July 2019
Trump’s diatribes mark a calculated escalation of his efforts to base his reelection campaign on the incitement of an openly fascistic movement
Supreme Court approves construction of Trump’s border wall
By Eric London, 27 July 2019
The ruling is a political victory for Trump and a blow to the separation of powers, dramatically strengthening the power of the executive branch.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joins House Democrats in vote for Trump war budget
By Patrick Martin, 27 July 2019
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib, both members of the Democratic Socialists of America, voted for a bill that includes a record $738 billion for the military.
Mueller testimony: Another debacle for the Democrats’ anti-Russia campaign
By Tom Hall, 25 July 2019
The Democrats staged two House committee hearings with the former FBI head and special counsel in an attempt to revive their discredited claim that Putin stole the 2016 election for Trump.
Puerto Rico governor resigns after popular protests
By Jerry White, 25 July 2019
After 12 days of protests, Governor Ricardo Rosselló announced his resignation late Wednesday night.
Democrats reach deal with Trump on budget and debt ceiling
By Patrick Martin, 24 July 2019
The plan will boost military spending to record levels and reassure Wall Street.
Senator Warren warns of US economic “crash”
By Nick Beams, 24 July 2019
The bogus character of the agenda advanced by Warren, who has described herself as “capitalist to the bone,” is underscored by the measures she advances to meet the signs of a deepening crisis.
Mass protests shake Puerto Rican and US political establishment
By Jerry White, 23 July 2019
In what has been described as the largest demonstration in Puerto Rican history, an estimated half a million people marched Monday to demand the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló.
Reports expose Trump administration’s “Border Patrol to emergency room” pipeline
By Patrick Martin, 22 July 2019
Immigrant detainees are deliberately being subjected to conditions that spread disease in detention centers along the southern border.
Iran seizes UK tanker in Strait of Hormuz as danger of Middle East war mounts
By Jordan Shilton, 20 July 2019
Chief responsibility for the growing war danger in the Persian Gulf rests squarely with US imperialism, which has relentlessly escalated its provocations against Iran.
Canada’s Trudeau postures as opponent of Trump following US president’s fascist outburst
By Roger Jordan, 20 July 2019
Trudeau’s theatrics notwithstanding, his government is an enthusiastic accomplice of Trump in implementing some of his administration’s most reactionary and belligerent policies.
US investigators identify 70 current and former immigration agents in far-right, racist Facebook groups
By Kevin Martinez, 19 July 2019
The announcement came after several Facebook groups connected to Customs and Border Protection agents were discovered to contain vulgar and sexually explicit posts.
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