US Politics
Democrats embrace war hawk Bolton in Trump impeachment trial
By Patrick Martin, 28 January 2020
The carefully timed leak of Bolton’s White House revelations has overshadowed the defense mounted by Trump’s attorneys in the Senate impeachment trial.
US Supreme Court considers ending ban on public funding for religious schools
By Nancy Hanover, 28 January 2020
On January 22, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, a deeply reactionary case which takes aim at both the democratic principle of separation of church and state and the right to free, universal public education.
Why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is in the same party as Joe Biden
By Genevieve Leigh, 28 January 2020
The New York congresswoman declared recently that, in any country but the United States, she and former Vice President Joe Biden would be in different political parties.
Trump tweets threats as impeachment defense begins
By Patrick Martin, 27 January 2020
Senate Republicans seem determined to bring the trial to an end by Friday of this week.
Why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is in the same party as Joe Biden
By Genevieve Leigh, 27 January 2020
The New York congresswoman declared recently that, in any country but the United States, she and former Vice President Joe Biden would be in different political parties.
As Democrats promote anti-Russia hysteria
Trump steps up attacks on immigrants, democratic rights in midst of impeachment trial
By Barry Grey, 25 January 2020
Trump railed against the “far left” in the first speech by a president at the annual anti-abortion March for Life rally in Washington DC.
Democrats begin Senate trial of Trump with anti-Russia diatribe
By Patrick Martin, 23 January 2020
A casual viewer might have concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin, not Trump, was on trial.
Senate adopts rules for quick impeachment trial of President Trump
By Barry Grey, 22 January 2020
The statements on the Senate floor by both the lawyers for Trump and the House impeachment managers made clear the right-wing, antidemocratic politics of both warring factions.
Democratic Party establishment wages war on Sanders
By Patrick Martin, 22 January 2020
The public and vicious campaign by Democratic Party leaders against Sanders only underscores the political bankruptcy of his perspective of reforming this organization.
Trump administration ramps up campaign to abolish strong data encryption in aftermath of Pensacola terror shooting
By Kevin Reed, 21 January 2020
The administration, following in the footsteps of the Obama White House, is moving to attack privacy rights protected by the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution.
As neo-Nazis head to Richmond, Trump boosts gun-rights rally
By Patrick Martin, 20 January 2020
The president’s tweet is a declaration of solidarity with ultra-right forces on the eve of his impeachment trial.
#MeToo provocation against Bernie Sanders organized by CNN and Elizabeth Warren
By David Walsh, 20 January 2020
This is a political stink bomb, borrowed from the #MeToo playbook, typical of American politics in its putrefaction.
The impeachment trial begins as Trump escalates fascistic appeals
By Patrick Martin, 17 January 2020
The Democratic impeachment process will not stop Trump’s increasingly blatant assault on the constitutional foundations of basic democratic rights.
House forwards impeachment articles, triggering Senate trial of President Trump
By Barry Grey, 16 January 2020
The onset of the Senate trial takes place in the context of an explosive political and social crisis and internal warfare within the American state without parallel since the Civil War.
Mideast war threat overshadows Democratic debate
By Patrick Martin, 16 January 2020
All six candidates—including the nominal “socialist” Bernie Sanders—criticized Trump’s actions from the standpoint of advocating a more carefully considered strategy to advance the interests of American imperialism.
Trump exploits Iran war crisis to incite violence against political opponents
By Barry Grey, 15 January 2020
Following Trump’s order for the murder of Iranian General Suleimani, his denunciations of political opponents for “taking the side of terrorists” can only be interpreted as a threat of violence.
Sanders’ rise in polls alarms Democratic political establishment
By Patrick Martin, 14 January 2020
The increased support for the Vermont senator is linked to mounting antiwar sentiment in the midst of the Iran crisis.
House Democrats to forward Trump impeachment articles, setting stage for Senate trial
By Patrick Martin, 13 January 2020
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the next step would be taken Tuesday at a meeting of the House Democratic caucus.
After millions march against US imperialism in the Middle East
Trump boasts of “executing” Iranian General Suleimani in Ohio campaign speech
By Barry Grey, 11 January 2020
Trump’s biggest asset is his nominal political opposition, the Democratic Party.
Bernie Sanders says “some wars are necessary”
By Tom Hall, 11 January 2020
Sanders’ stated opposition to Trump’s threatened war in Iran is a political trap being set for workers and youth.
The Democrats pass Pelosi’s phony antiwar resolution
By Patrick Martin, 10 January 2020
On Thursday, House Democrats backed a “concurrent” resolution that places no meaningful restrictions on Trump’s ability to launch a war against Iran.
Chelsea Clinton’s millions and the American aristocracy
By Sam Dalton, 10 January 2020
Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, reaps millions through her family’s connections with the super-rich.
Central banks losing firepower to counter recession
By Nick Beams, 9 January 2020
The key message from the annual meeting of the American Economic Association last weekend was that central banks do not have the tools to cope with a world of low inflation and low interest rates.
House and Senate deadlocked over Trump impeachment trial
By Barry Grey, 8 January 2020
It was the decision to withhold military aid from Ukraine, which is fighting a US proxy war against Russian-backed separatists, that triggered a furious conflict within the state and the Trump administration itself.
CBS’ “60 Minutes” program raises questions on death of Jeffrey Epstein
By Kevin Reed, 7 January 2020
A “60 Minutes” segment reveals new evidence about the death of the multi-millionaire sex offender consistent with suspicions that he was murdered and did not commit suicide.
Democrats fault Trump on strategy, silent on illegality of Suleimani assassination
By Patrick Martin, 6 January 2020
The candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination have sought to disguise their support for American imperialism with insincere appeals to popular antiwar sentiment.
Senator Bernie Sanders leads preliminary Democratic fundraising totals for fourth quarter and all of 2019
By Patrick Martin, 3 January 2020
The support for Sanders shows that American population is moving to the left, even as the Democrats move further to the right.
The impeachment crisis and US war plans against Russia
By Andre Damon, 31 December 2019
The ferocity with which the entire US national security apparatus responded to a temporary delay in sending anti-tank missiles and radar to Ukraine raises the question: Is there a timetable for using these weapons in combat against Russia?
Washington state legislator investigated for ties with violent far-right groups
By Kayla Costa, 30 December 2019
Representative Matthew Shea mobilized support for armed militia standoffs, and drafted a document of rules for militia-based war during his time in office.
Edward Gallagher, Donald Trump and America’s criminal wars
By Patrick Martin, 30 December 2019
A new report documents the gruesome record of the Navy Seal commander Trump has praised and pardoned.
Trump issues hypocritical threat over Syrian offensive
By Bill Van Auken, 28 December 2019
Syrian government troops backed by Russian air power have advanced on the last redoubt of Al Qaeda-linked militias in Idlib province.
Bloomberg, Steyer spend $200 million on Democratic nomination fight
By Patrick Martin, 27 December 2019
The two billionaires combined have outspent the rest of the Democrat field three times over.
German government condemns US sanctions on Nord Stream 2 pipeline
By Johannes Stern, 23 December 2019
The temporary halt to construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has dramatically intensified tensions between the United States and the European powers.
Trump signs Pentagon budget imposing new sanctions on Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 21 December 2019
The record $738 billion National Defense Authorization Act was passed with the overwhelming support of House and Senate Democrats.
Democratic debate: Candidates denounce Trump, ignore party votes for Trump’s program
By Barry Grey, 21 December 2019
The seven candidates said nothing about the fact that the impeachment of Trump was bracketed by congressional votes in which the Democratic Party endorsed Trump’s key legislative priorities.
One day after impeachment: Democrats back Trump trade, budget bills
By Patrick Martin, 20 December 2019
One day after the US House of Representatives adopted two articles of impeachment against President Trump, the House passed Trump’s top policy priority for 2019, the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, by a massive bipartisan margin.
Amid impeachment vote, Congress passes record military budget and funds Trump’s border wall
By Evan Blake, 19 December 2019
The right-wing basis on which the Democrats have impeached Trump is underscored by the bipartisan support for the fascistic president’s political agenda demonstrated in the budget measures approved by Congress.
Democratic Party candidates posture at union-sponsored education forum
By Dan Conway, 19 December 2019
Both the presidential candidates and the teachers union officials present at the Pittsburgh forum have a proven track record of opposing and sabotaging teachers struggles.
The impeachment crisis
A plague on both political parties
By Patrick Martin and Andre Damon, 19 December 2019
Despite the ferocity of conflict over impeachment, the Democrats and Republicans represent the twin imperatives of American imperialism: the drive toward war and fascistic authoritarianism.
Trump makes fascistic appeal in impeachment letter
By Andre Damon, 18 December 2019
While Trump is seeking to exploit the impeachment to rally a right-wing movement, the Democratic Party is fearful of and hostile to mobilizing mass popular opposition to Trump.
US Army XVIII Airborne Corp posts sympathetic portrayal of Nazi war criminal on Facebook
By Kevin Reed, 18 December 2019
The publication of a glowing portrayal of Nazi war criminal Joachim Peiper by the Army’s XVIII Airborne Corp’s Facebook page exposes a constituency within the military for fascism.
CIA Democrats back CIA-led impeachment
By Patrick Martin, 17 December 2019
Ten out of eleven newly elected representatives with military-intelligence backgrounds have publicly backed impeachment.
US military academies investigating use of “white power” hand gesture during annual Army-Navy football game
By Kevin Reed, 17 December 2019
The likely open use of the white power symbol by Army and Navy cadets is an indication of the growth of fascistic elements within the US military.
Democrats combine impeachment and collaboration with Trump
By Patrick Martin, 16 December 2019
In the midst of the impeachment inquiry, congressional Democrats are collaborating with Trump on trade war, attacks on immigrants, and a massive military build-up.
House Judiciary Committee votes to approve articles of impeachment against Trump
By Barry Grey, 13 December 2019
The debate has underscored the right-wing basis of the Democrats’ impeachment drive.
Pentagon chiefs say US troops to stay in Syria for years
By Bill Van Auken, 13 December 2019
Less than two months after Trump’s demagogic announcement of a full withdrawal from Syria, the US military has made clear that it has no plans to leave.
US to impose sanctions on companies involved in European Nord Stream 2 pipeline
By Peter Schwarz, 13 December 2019
The sanctions against the joint Russian-Western Europe energy project underscores just how conflict-riven the relations between the members of the world's largest military alliance are.
Mass shooting in Jersey City, New Jersey being investigated as anti-Semitic hate-crime
By Matthew Taylor, 12 December 2019
New Jersey police believe that two assailants deliberately targeted a Kosher grocery store in an attack on Tuesday.
The impeachment crisis and its political consequences
By Andre Damon, 12 December 2019
Regardless of the its final outcome in the House and Senate, the impeachment proceedings will have reactionary and dangerous repercussions.
US House approves bill for record military spending
By Patrick Martin, 12 December 2019
The National Defense Authorization Act passed by a huge bipartisan majority, with 188 Democrats and 189 Republicans supporting it.
Trump signs executive order aimed at suppressing criticism of Israel
By Niles Niemuth, 12 December 2019
The purpose of the order signed Wednesday is to squelch free speech at publicly funded universities, targeting in particular the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.
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.
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