US Politics
Democrats release articles of impeachment against Trump on “national security” grounds
By Andre Damon, 11 December 2019
The articles of impeachment assert that the president “betrayed the nation” and “compromised the national security of the United States” by temporarily delaying military aid to Ukraine.
The true legacy of US central banker Paul Volcker (1927–2019)
By Nick Beams, 11 December 2019
A full accounting would reveal that his policies, imposed on behalf of the American capitalist class, resulted in untold social misery and the premature death of millions of people, not only in the US but around the world.
Democrats, White House position themselves for impeachment vote
By Patrick Martin, 9 December 2019
The House Judiciary Committee is expected to vote articles of impeachment against Trump this week.
United Teachers Los Angeles and National Nurses Union back Democratic candidate
Union sellouts endorse the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign
By Dan Conway and Matt Rigel, 7 December 2019
The United Teachers Los Angeles and the National Nurses Union have both endorsed Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Pelosi announces Democrats to begin drafting impeachment charges against Trump
By Patrick Martin, 6 December 2019
The House Speaker announced Thursday plans to draw up articles of impeachment for President Trump.
Impeachment hearing opens with Democratic Party blast against Russia
By Patrick Martin, 5 December 2019
The opening statement by House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold Nadler set the tone for a hearing that repeatedly returned to the bogus allegations of massive Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Pompeo vows intervention against “riots” in Washington’s “own backyard”
By Bill Van Auken, 5 December 2019
Immediately following Pompeo’s provocative speech, the US slapped new sanctions on Venezuela and Cuba, which the secretary of state accused of fomenting violence.
The ignominious fall of Kamala Harris
By Evan Blake, 5 December 2019
While attempting to strike a middle ground among the Democratic candidates, Harris never successfully convinced working class voters that she was progressive at all.
Democrats’ report confirms anti-Russia axis of impeachment inquiry
By Barry Grey, 4 December 2019
The Democrats’ 300-page report is all about Ukraine and the central role it occupies in the geo-strategic operations of the United States directed against Russia.
A Warning: A manifesto of the pro-war “Resistance” in the American state
By Andre Damon, 4 December 2019
The book makes clear that the “Resistance” to Trump’s policies within the US government, which forms the basis of the Democrats’ impeachment drive, centers on claims that Trump is insufficiently aggressive in defending and expanding America’s imperial interests.
NATO bitterly divided as London summit begins
By Alex Lantier, 3 December 2019
NATO heads of state arrived yesterday in London for a two-day summit beginning today, 70 years after NATO’s foundation in the aftermath of World War II in 1949.
House Democrats begin next phase of impeachment drive
By Patrick Martin, 3 December 2019
The White House is refusing to participate in the first formal impeachment hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, set for Wednesday.
The DSA on impeachment or: How the DSA learned to stop worrying and love Bolton
By Genevieve Leigh, 3 December 2019
The Democratic Socialists of America has given its full support to the impeachment campaign, lining up behind John Bolton and the other reactionaries promoted by the Democratic Party.
Obama spearheads campaign against Sanders’ nomination as Democratic presidential candidate
By Patrick Martin, 2 December 2019
The Democratic Party establishment wants to ensure that issues of social inequality are not a focal point in the elections, even in the toothless form represented by Sanders and Warren.
US Attorney General William Barr’s brief for presidential dictatorship
By Tom Carter, 2 December 2019
Even by the degraded standards of American political discourse at present, Barr’s speech was exceptional for its essentially anti-democratic and fascistic content.
Canadian government-sponsored Security Forum rails against “strategic adversaries” China and Russia
By Roger Jordan and Keith Jones, 27 November 2019
Trump’s National Security Adviser demanded Canada massively hike military spending, restrict Huawei, and militarize the Arctic to counter China and Russia.
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg begins campaign for Democratic nomination
By Barry Grey, 27 November 2019
Bloomberg is seeking effectively either to buy the presidency, or, at the very least, drive the Democratic campaign to the right.
Trump’s war crime pardons: Cultivating a fascistic base in the military
By Bill Van Auken, 27 November 2019
The unprecedented intervention in defense of Navy Seal Edward Gallagher is aimed not just at facilitating war crimes abroad, but at preparing forces to be used against the working class at home.
1619 Project director speaks at New York University
Nikole Hannah-Jones, race theory and the Holocaust
By Eric London and David North, 26 November 2019
There was not a single statement made by Hannah-Jones at NYU on historical issues that withstands serious examination.
US navy secretary fired in case of pardoned SEAL war criminal
By Bill Van Auken, 26 November 2019
The crimes of Gallagher and the other war criminals pardoned by Trump account for a minuscule portion of the civilians massacred in the illegal wars waged by US imperialism over the past 18 years.
Judge denies “absolute immunity” of White House aides
By Patrick Martin, 26 November 2019
The ruling by Judge Kenji Brown Jackson was a sweeping rejection of the Trump administration’s claims that top officials cannot be compelled to testify before Congress.
US Attorney General Barr adds to coverup in death of Jeffrey Epstein
By Kevin Reed, 26 November 2019
In an interview Friday with the Associated Press, US Attorney General William Barr said the prison death of Jeffrey Epstein was a suicide made possible by “a perfect storm of screwups.”
Wisconsin’s Democratic governor signs oil lobby-backed bill criminalising free speech
By Jacob Crosse, 26 November 2019
Governor Tony Evers made Wisconsin the tenth state to enact legislation drafted by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers association placing greater restrictions on anti-pipeline protests.
Who decided the US should fight a “hot war” with Russia?
By Andre Damon, 23 November 2019
The impeachment inquiry has exposed a US conspiracy to spend billions of dollars to overthrow an elected government in Ukraine and foment a civil war that has killed thousands of people.
Trump overrides Navy’s bid to evict war criminal from SEALS
By Bill Van Auken, 22 November 2019
This was the fourth intervention by the US president in the case of Edward Gallagher, a Navy SEAL charged with shooting civilians and murdering a prisoner during the 2017 siege of Mosul.
Bernie Sanders dispenses with his “political revolution” at fifth Democratic presidential debate
By Niles Niemuth, 22 November 2019
Sanders declared at Wednesday night’s debate that he agreed with Obama that it wasn’t necessary to “tear down the system and remake it.”
US, EU gave over $20 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine since 2014
By Patrick Martin, 21 November 2019
Testimony at the final impeachment hearing confirmed the massive scale of imperialist operations in Ukraine, aimed at undermining and attacking Russia.
Naval command challenges President Trump’s war crimes pardon
By Kevin Reed, 21 November 2019
In an extraordinary and open conflict between the leadership of the US Navy and the White House, Rear Admiral Collin Green pressed forward on Wednesday with plans to remove Edward Gallagher from the SEALs following his exoneration by President Trump.
Patriot Act extension concealed in funding bill passed by House Democrats
By Barry Grey, 21 November 2019
Coming in the midst of the Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, the extension of the Patriot Act underscores the absence of any democratic content in their opposition to Trump.
The impeachment crisis and American imperialism
By Patrick Martin, 21 November 2019
The principal crime revealed in the impeachment hearings is how American imperialism conducts itself towards smaller and less powerful nations such as Ukraine.
Impeachment hearing highlights conflict over US policy in Ukraine
By Patrick Martin, 20 November 2019
The driving force of the Democratic Party inquiry is the US effort to use Ukraine as a base of operations and front-line state in the confrontation with Russia.
In the face of attacks by billionaires, Obama
Elizabeth Warren backpedals on “Medicare for All”
By Kate Randall, 20 November 2019
Less than three weeks after presenting her “Medicare for All” proposal, Warren is backtracking on virtually all of its components.
Two New York prison guards charged in connection with Epstein death
By Matthew Taylor, 20 November 2019
The pair who were guarding Epstein on the night of his mysterious death have been charged with falsifying records and defrauding the US government.
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
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.”
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