Concerns About Socialism Among Young Americans

Representatives Claudia Tenney and Nicole Malliotakis, both Republicans from New York, have expressed worries about the growing popularity of socialist ideas among young people as the midterm elections approach. They attribute this trend to factors like the education system, the allure of “free stuff,” and the negative experiences seen in countries such as Cuba and Venezuela, arguing against adopting similar policies in the U.S.

The two representatives shared their thoughts on the rise of socialism during an upcoming episode of the Republican Study Committee’s podcast, as reported by Breitbart News from a preliminary recording.

This interview coincides with the ongoing preparations for the midterm elections. Tenney and Malliotakis specifically discussed New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani and other candidates from the Socialist Party.

Both representatives drew from personal experiences in their discussion. Malliotakis recounted that her mother fled communist Cuba in 1959, while Tenney shared his background of growing up in communist Yugoslavia, including studying and working at the Yugoslav consulate during the Sarajevo Olympics.

Malliotakis articulated that the onset of a socialist system often begins with a slow increase in government control, mentioning measures like price controls and limitations on personal freedoms. “It’s like baby steps when they start implementing changes,” she explained. “They begin taking away freedoms and rationing necessities, leading to economic damage.”

She referenced Cuba and Venezuela to illustrate how the policies advocated by Mamdani mirror those that caused turmoil in those nations. “They aim to control the means of production, especially in the oil sector in Venezuela,” Malliotakis stated. “They want to eliminate private property rights and establish government-operated supermarkets.”

Reflecting on his time in Yugoslavia, Tenney described his observations from the 1980s and the drastic changes he witnessed, remembering the scarcity of goods. “There was nothing on the shelves,” he noted. “We would wait in line for bread, which seemed normal to everyone.” He argued that government oversight of grocery stores could mirror past outcomes.

Malliotakis reinforced her point by citing Venezuela’s struggles, emphasizing that governmental control led to widespread food shortages and hyperinflation. “The average Venezuelan has lost between 24 and 40 pounds,” she reported. “Most people would go to sleep hungry and wake up in the same situation due to lack of food.”

She also described the challenges faced in Cuba, where even basic items are hard to come by. “In the U.S., we take for granted things we’re used to,” she remarked, highlighting examples like toilet paper and aspirin. “My mother sends letters to relatives in Cuba, as they struggle to find over-the-counter medications, prompting us to ship them supplies.”

Tenney inquired why socialism attracts young Americans, especially in light of recent electoral successes for socialist candidates. “I think the idea of something free appeals to young people,” Malliotakis answered, attributing part of this mindset to the education system, which she believes fosters indoctrination.

She pointed out that many young Americans “don’t know anything else” and are unfamiliar with the realities of living under socialist or communist regimes. It’s particularly perplexing to see people who escaped these systems supporting similar policies in the U.S. She noted voters with ties to countries like China, Russia, Ukraine, and Vietnam, who remain cautious about political developments in the States. “They are vigilant in voting and making their voices heard because they don’t want to see that situation here,” she stressed.

Malliotakis also raised concerns about foreign money impacting U.S. politics through nonprofit organizations, mentioning influences from places like communist China. She mentioned her sponsorship of a bill aimed at curbing foreign influence entering U.S. politics via these channels.

“We’re witnessing a kind of foreign propaganda infiltrating our environment,” she remarked, adding that young people need to either learn from history or face consequences.

Both lawmakers specifically examined conditions in New York City under Mayor Mamdani, with Malliotakis claiming that current policies create difficulties for small landlords and property owners. She expressed concerns that such strategies could push property owners to abandon their holdings. “They are making life unbearable for small landowners,” she said, suggesting this aligns with Mamdani’s intentions.

Critically, she addressed the state of public housing, pointing out the harsh realities faced by residents of the New York City Housing Authority, describing it as the “largest slum in New York City.” She insisted that the condition of city-owned properties should be resolved before imposing demands on private property owners.

When Tenney asked about the repercussions if Republicans were to narrowly lose control of Congress in the midterms, Malliotakis warned that a socialist majority might shift from proposing policies to enforcing them and controlling government finances. “They are going to raise taxes,” she indicated. “They will open the borders.”

Malliotakis asserted, “We believe there’s a thin red line separating these radical groups from congressional members.” To wrap up their discussion, Tenney returned to his insights from Yugoslavia, stressing how hard it is to reverse the impact of socialist systems, even after they are dismantled. “The malaise fostered by socialism is difficult to remedy,” he said, asserting that it discourages individual ambition and fosters government dependence.

The findings from this interview reflect significant concerns voiced by Tenney and Malliotakis regarding socialism and Mamdani’s approach for months.

A resolution condemning “the horrors of socialism” was approved by the House of Representatives in November 2025, passing 285-98, with all Republicans in favor and a mix of Democratic responses. The resolution denounced socialist policies in the U.S., referencing oppressive regimes throughout history. Malliotakis reiterated that “socialism is the anti-thesis of communism and we will challenge it.” Tenney cautioned about the repercussions of socialism in New York, claiming that Americans “must not let a failed ideology shape our future.”

Tenney also directed criticism toward Democratic leaders, accusing figures like Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of yielding to what she characterized as the party’s radical wing during a government shutdown in October. Referring to Mamdani, she stated, “He embodies the far-left coalition and is essentially leading the New York Democratic Party now.” Tenney alleged that Schumer and Jeffries avoid confronting this movement due to fear, stating, “They have built their political survival on appeasing the far left,” and warned that New Yorkers are already experiencing negative effects from various policies. “The fallout won’t stop at the Hudson River; it will extend throughout upstate New York and across the country.”

Mamdani called the U.S. military’s capture of President Nicolás Maduro a war act and a breach of laws, stressing the administration’s focus on the welfare of Venezuelans in New York City. Malliotakis shot back, questioning, “Before you defend a murderous narco-terrorist, have you ever wondered why nearly eight million people fled Maduro’s Marxist regime? Rather than advocate for his failed policies here, wouldn’t it be wise to consult a Venezuelan New Yorker?”