Trump’s Use of “Communist” Labels in Politics
For quite some time, President Donald Trump has labeled his legal and political challenges as stemming from “communists.” Now, as he steps into his second term, this language is being used to portray various opponents—from judges to educators—as threats to American identity, culture, and values.
So, what’s the strategy here? Trump himself shed some light on it last year when he outlined how he intended to frame his opponent, then-President Kamala Harris, during the election.
“All we have to do is define our partner as either a communist or a socialist or someone trying to destroy our country,” he remarked to reporters at his New Jersey Golf Club in August.
He proceeded to label Harris as “Comrade Kamala,” and, notably, he secured a win in November. Over 77 million Americans (49.9% of voters) seemingly approved, and this tactic is now being reintroduced in his latest term.
But let’s clarify: what he’s referencing isn’t truly “communism.”
In 2025, communism retains a significant presence in countries like China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cuba, but that’s not the case in the U.S.
“The core of communism is the idea that governments can provide goods and services more effectively than the market. Very few in the West genuinely believe that,” stated Raymond Robertson from Texas A&M University. “Unless the government starts managing steel and Tesla, calling someone a communist isn’t quite accurate.”
Nevertheless, the term “communist” evokes strong emotions and functions as a powerful rhetorical device. In today’s era of social media and rampant misinformation, its impact has only increased. The historical fears stemming from events like the Russian Revolution, the “Red Scare,” World War II, McCarthyism, and the Cold War still looms large.
At 78, Trump has a history of labeling those he sees as obstacles.
“We cannot allow a few radical communist survivors to hinder our law enforcement,” he declared during a speech in Michigan, celebrating his first 100 days. The White House did not respond to requests for clarification on Trump’s “communist” label.
Timing is crucial in his use of the term. During a week filled with troubling economic and political news, a recent Associated Press poll revealed that more Americans are dissatisfied with Trump’s priorities. Shortly after his speech, government reports indicated that the economy had contracted in the first quarter of 2025, attributed in part to Trump’s tariffs disrupting business.
On another occasion, Senior Presidential Advisor Stephen Miller took to the podium and mentioned “communists” four times in about 35 minutes, criticizing previous policies on transgender issues, diversity, and immigration.
“These are some areas where President Trump has battled against the cancer that is harming the country, the cancer that communists have reignited,” Miller stated.
His words seemed crafted for social media appeal, targeting older Americans who had slightly favored Trump in the previous elections.
Jacob Nasel, a political communication expert at the University of Buffalo, stated, “Using emotionally loaded terms against political foes is a method to diminish their credibility in public perception and frame them negatively.”
The Echo of Red Scare Periods in Trump’s Messaging
The notion of a communist threat erasing or influencing the U.S. has existed for decades, marking some of its most turbulent chapters. Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, a surge in immigration led to the “Red Scare” of the 1920s.
Post-World War II, “McCarthyism” signified a witch hunt against suspected communists, instigated by Sen. Joseph McCarthy, and characterized by anti-communist hysteria. Being labeled as “soft” on communism could effectively end careers and ruin lives, with blacklists multiplying, especially in Hollywood.
McCarthy’s downfall happened in 1957, while Roy Cohn, his chief attorney, became a mentor to Trump in his rise as a real estate mogul. The Cold War continued for over three decades, marred by fears of nuclear conflict.
Communism began its decline in 1989, culminating in the Soviet Union’s dissolution two years later, while today, Russia remains under President Vladimir Putin.
Still, a form of communism persists in China, where Trump is engaged in a trade war that could lead to higher prices for Americans. As the week unfolded, Trump acknowledged that his governmental interventions might limit consumer choices and increase costs, arguing that tariffs would primarily hurt China.
Robertson pointed out that the real contemporary debate is not about capitalism versus communism but rather about the level of government intervention required. He posited that Trump isn’t genuinely focused on discussing communism or capitalism.
“Labeling those advocating for slight government involvement as ‘communists’ is a common but misleading tactic that resonates well with busy voters who lack the time to delve into nuances of economic theories,” he noted in an email. “It’s inflammatory and often fuels anger towards Trump.”
