US Politics
US federal judge upholds compulsory unpaid labor during government shutdown
By Daniel de Vries, 17 January 2019
The court denied immediate relief for government workers forced to work during the shutdown.
The American media revives the methods of McCarthyism
By Patrick Martin, 15 January 2019
The campaign sparked by reports over the weekend by the New York Times and Washington Post harks back to the anti-communist witch-hunt of the 1950s.
The FBI’s police state operation against Trump
By Patrick Martin, 14 January 2019
A New York Times report aimed at reviving the anti-Russia campaign against Trump exposes a conspiracy by the political police of the FBI to negate the results of the 2016 election.
Sickouts spread, impact widens as US shutdown enters fourth week
By Rebecca Campbell, 14 January 2019
The longest government shutdown in US history continues to impact on the economy as federal workers and government contractors try to cope with missed paychecks.
Hypocritical outrage from media, politicians after latest racist outburst by Iowa Congressman Steve King
By Trévon Austin, 14 January 2019
The intimate ties between the Republican Party and far-right, segregationist forces have been systematically covered up by the media and the Democrats as well as the Republicans.
Amid threat of national emergency declaration
US government workers call in sick, demand strike action against lockout and payless paydays
By Barry Grey, 12 January 2019
The growing opposition of federal workers comes together with the preparations of Los Angeles teachers to strike, the mounting opposition of auto workers to plant closures, and a rising wave of class struggle internationally.
Pompeo in Cairo: The ugly face of US imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 12 January 2019
Reflecting US imperialism’s priorities in the region, Pompeo mentioned Iran 25 times in his speech, compared to a mere dozen references to “terrorism.”
Trump at the Rubicon
By Patrick Martin and Andre Damon, 11 January 2019
A presidential declaration of a “national emergency” to override congressional opposition would mean a permanent and irreversible break with constitutional government in the United States.
“We are being treated like pawns”
As payless payday looms, federal unions stage protests in US cities
By our reporter, 11 January 2019
With hundreds of thousands of federal workers facing destitution due to the budget impasse, unions staged protests aimed at dissipating anger over the impact of the government shutdown.
As US shutdown heads toward its fourth week
Trump delivers fascistic White House rant to demand border wall
By Barry Grey, 9 January 2019
The government shutdown marks a significant step in the direction of authoritarian rule, directed squarely against the working class.
Trump escalates confrontation over federal shutdown
By Patrick Martin, 8 January 2019
The White House has requested time for a nationally televised speech Tuesday night in which Trump will appeal to fear and bigotry against immigrants and refugees.
US Senate confirms top-level political “fixer” as ambassador to Australia
By Mike Head, 8 January 2019
Culvahouse’s appointment underscores Washington’s determination to ensure there is not the slightest deviation in Australia’s front line role in any conflict with China.
Mobilize the working class against the US government shutdown
By Patrick Martin, 7 January 2019
The furloughs and payless paydays for 800,000 federal employees are a major attack on the American working class.
US shutdown could leave millions without food stamps
By Kate Randall, 7 January 2019
More than 19 million households face the cutoff of SNAP benefits—partially in February and completely in March—if the government shutdown drags on.
Longest-serving Chicago alderman charged with attempted extortion
By Kristina Betinis, 7 January 2019
Ed Burke, who has spent more than 50 years in Chicago Democratic Party politics, faces federal corruption charges.
As government shutdown enters third week
Trump threatens to declare national emergency to build border wall
By Niles Niemuth, 5 January 2019
Legal options are reportedly being seriously considered within the Trump administration for circumventing Congress, including redirecting funds already appropriated to the Department of Defense.
Mumia Abu-Jamal wins right to reargue appeal of his 1982 conviction
By Fred Mazelis, 5 January 2019
The internationally known prisoner has steadfastly maintained his innocence of the murder of a Philadelphia police officer.
The New York Times’ #MeToo smear against Bernie Sanders
By Barry Grey, 5 January 2019
The Times wants the next Democratic campaign, like the last, to be dominated by the politics of gender, race and sex—not class.
US House Democrats reaffirm right-wing program of austerity, bipartisanship
By Niles Niemuth, 4 January 2019
Nancy Pelosi’s re-election as Speaker was welcomed by President Donald Trump, who expressed his hope that they would work together on infrastructure and “so much more.”
Democrat Elizabeth Warren enters US presidential race
By Patrick Martin, 4 January 2019
The Massachusetts senator, a former longtime Republican, is seeking to capture the “left” lane in the nomination contest with populist demagogy directed against big business.
Trump says there is no set date for Syria troop withdrawal
By Bill Van Auken, 4 January 2019
While Trump bemoaned Washington’s “never-ending war,” his acting Defense Secretary told the Pentagon to focus on “China, China, China.”
Silence follows Trump attorney’s statement that Julian Assange did nothing “wrong”
By James Cogan, 4 January 2019
Not a word about Rudy Giuliani’s Fox News interview has been said by the political and media establishment in the US, Europe or Australia.
US shutdown, payless paydays could continue for “weeks”
By our reporters, 3 January 2019
A White House meeting Wednesday showed no change in the ongoing standoff between Trump and congressional Democrats.
Trump orders freeze in federal salaries as shutdown reaches ten days
By Patrick Martin, 31 December 2018
The purported “showdown” over Trump’s demand for a border wall is a stage-managed conflict in which both sides support repressive anti-immigrant measures.
Teacher unions in Washington state back Democrats’ regressive school taxes
By Kayla Costa, 31 December 2018
Months after the statewide teachers’ struggle, the Democratic Party, unions and pseudo-left groups are uniting to implement regressive taxes in the name of funding public education.
US intelligence think tank conducted “false flag” operation impersonating Russian election interference
By Will Morrow, 31 December 2018
New Knowledge sought to influence the 2017 Alabama election and make it appear that Russia was intervening to back the Republican candidate.
One year since Trump’s tax cuts: a balance sheet
Stock buybacks reach $1 trillion
By E.P. Milligan, 31 December 2018
It is now clear the vast majority of the corporate spending of the tax windfall has gone to the further enrichment of a tiny parasitic layer of investors and CEOs.
Impact on workers, services spreads as US shutdown enters second week
By Patrick Martin, 29 December 2018
More than 800,000 federal workers are going into the New Year without paychecks.
Facebook: The global censor
By Andre Damon, 29 December 2018
This year has seen an intensification of internet censorship by Google, Facebook and Twitter, transforming these companies into censors that police what their users say, do and think.
Right-wing rampage in Michigan, Wisconsin lame duck sessions
By Jacob Crosse and Patrick Martin, 28 December 2018
The Republican-controlled legislatures in the two Midwest states have enacted bills effectively overturning voter decisions in the November 6 election.
Actor Kevin Spacey releases defiant video: “It’s never that simple, not in politics and not in life”
By David Walsh, 28 December 2018
In the course of his three-minute video, Spacey (while in character as House of Cards ’ Frank Underwood) urged viewers not to “believe the worst without evidence” and not to “rush to judgment without facts.”
Federal workers thrown into crisis by US government shutdown
By Barry Grey, 27 December 2018
In this cynical charade between the Democrats and Republicans, hundreds of thousands of federal workers and millions of family members and dependents are being used as pawns.
Federal worker: “Democrats are just as eager as Republicans to victimize immigrants”
By our reporters, 27 December 2018
The WSWS spoke with federal workers locked out as a result of the US government shutdown.
Residents defend immigrant workers after ICE raids Indiana restaurants, arrests five
By Michael Walters, 27 December 2018
Over 100 people rallied last week in Portage, Indiana to support the workers who had been detained earlier this month.
US government shutdown may extend into January
By Patrick Martin, 24 December 2018
Both the Trump White House and the Democratic leadership in Congress are indifferent to the impact of the partial shutdown on federal workers and the general public.
Trump administration in question as political warfare in Washington intensifies
By Joseph Kishore, 24 December 2018
In Trump’s foreign policy shifts, the Democrats, speaking for the military and intelligence apparatus, see an abandonment of what they consider to be the fundamental premise of American geostrategy.
800,000 US federal workers hit by partial government shutdown
By Barry Grey, 22 December 2018
The shutdown is part of a move by Trump to counter mounting political and legal threats by appealing for popular support outside of the normal two-party channels, including among fascistic elements of his base.
The resignation of General Mattis and America’s crisis of class rule
By Bill Van Auken, 22 December 2018
The panic and hysteria over the resignation of the former Marine Corps general reflects a deep-going crisis within the US ruling establishment.
Trump administration tightens work requirements for food stamps
By Trévon Austin, 22 December 2018
An estimated 755,000 individuals aged between 18 and 49 will lose food stamp benefits over the next three years if the US Department of Agriculture rule is implemented.
Trump administration to immediately deport new Central American asylum seekers to Mexico
By Eric London, 21 December 2018
The policy announced Thursday is a historically unprecedented attack on workers and peasants fleeing violence and inequality caused by decades of US imperialist intervention and corporate exploitation.
US steps up offensive against China with more “hacking charges”
By Mike Head, 21 December 2018
As part of an internationally-coordinated operation, the US Justice Department has published indictments of two Chinese men.
Trump intervenes on behalf of confessed war criminal Mathew Golsteyn
By Niles Niemuth, 20 December 2018
Trump described Golsteyn as a “US military hero” several days after the Pentagon announced it was charging him for the premeditated murder of an Afghan man in 2010.
A closer look at American “democracy”
By Barry Grey, 20 December 2018
The population is given the opportunity every two or four years to go to the polls and vote for one or the other corporate-controlled party. This is what is called “democracy.”
Rising homelessness: The reality of life for workers in a “booming” US economy
By Genevieve Leigh, 19 December 2018
A new government report shows that homelessness is on the rise in the United States for the second year in a row.
The disinformation campaign behind the allegations of Russian “disinformation”
By Andre Damon, 18 December 2018
The US media was dominated Monday by reports that Russia is responsible for the growth of opposition to police violence and social inequality in the United States.
Democrats, media silent on child’s death at US border
By Patrick Martin, 17 December 2018
The Caal family's attorneys dispute the official account, saying Jakelin was in good health on arrival at the border station, only displaying signs of illness after being held there for eight hours.
Federal judge in Texas rules Affordable Care Act unconstitutional
By Kate Randall, 17 December 2018
The ruling was opposed by healthcare groups and, if upheld, threatens to throw insurance markets into chaos and strip coverage from tens of millions of Americans.
Trump appoints budget director Mick Mulvaney as acting White House chief of staff
By Barry Grey, 17 December 2018
The naming of Mulvaney has the character of a circling of the wagons around a narrow core of Trump family members in a legally and politically besieged White House.
Rohini Hensman’s Indefensible: The ISO discovers its muse—the CIA—Part 3
By Alex Lantier, 17 December 2018
For Hensman, being “moral” means embracing the lies and provocations used to market US wars.
The death of Jackeline Caal: A seven-year-old victim of Trump’s war on immigrants
By Patrick Martin, 15 December 2018
While Democrats denounced the death, they supported equally repressive policies under Obama.
Rohini Hensman’s Indefensible: The ISO discovers its muse—the CIA—Part 2
By Alex Lantier, 15 December 2018
Hensman’s arguments tend inescapably in one direction: that US wars have been the main liberating force during the last quarter century.
Legal noose tightens around Trump
By Barry Grey, 14 December 2018
The guilty pleas by Michael Cohen and the admission of campaign finance violations by the National Enquirer publisher appear to place the president in serious legal jeopardy.
North Carolina state election board alleges fraud by Republican campaign aide
By Trévon Austin, 14 December 2018
The fraud is so pervasive that a new election may be required in the Ninth Congressional District.
A significant step forward: Detroit meeting of autoworkers resolves to form rank-and-file committees
By Joseph Kishore, 13 December 2018
In the center of world capitalism, the working class is beginning to establish the necessary organizational and political framework for a counter-offensive.
Political warfare in Washington escalates to crisis of capitalist rule
By Barry Grey, 12 December 2018
Trump’s embrace of murder, his defense of fascists, his racist attacks on immigrants are blowing up an ideological pillar of US imperialist foreign policy—the pretense that the United States is a bulwark of human rights and democracy.
Democrats begin open discussion of impeachment
By Patrick Martin, 11 December 2018
Two top members of the House Democratic leadership said that Trump could be impeached or jailed over alleged campaign finance violations.
Oklahoma Republicans demand the abolition of public schools
By Nancy Hanover, 11 December 2018
A section of the Republican Party, speaking for broader Wall Street interests, advocates ending tax-funded public education.
White House turmoil deepens after Kelly firing
By Patrick Martin, 10 December 2018
The circle of Trump’s top aides is narrowing to include only his immediate family and those closest to them.
Neo-Nazi convicted for murdering antiracist protester in Charlottesville, Virginia
By Nick Barrickman, 10 December 2018
21-year-old James Fields, Jnr. faces sentencing on Monday, and a looming federal trial for hate crimes. A guilty verdict will carry the possibility of a death sentence.
Jeffrey Epstein case exposes how US justice works for the rich
By Matthew Taylor, 10 December 2018
The billionaire hedge fund manager avoided human trafficking charges due to his vast wealth and political connections.
In name of fighting fascism, ISO promotes class collaboration and Democratic Party
By Kayla Costa, 10 December 2018
In an appeal to form an alliance with the “broadest social layers” against fascism, the International Socialist Organization seeks to subordinate the working class to the corporate-controlled two-party system.
The kidnapping of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou
By Andre Damon, 8 December 2018
Meng’s arrest and confinement—without bail and on tendentious and opaque charges potentially carrying a sentence of 60 years—amount to little more than a kidnapping.
As Dow drops another 560 points
Wall Street Journal warns of stock “stampede”
By Nick Beams, 8 December 2018
The longest bull market in history has rested on the suppression of the class struggle by the trade union bureaucracy, which is breaking apart.
In another shot across the White House’s bow
Mueller lauds former Trump lawyer Cohen for providing “useful and relevant” information
By Barry Grey, 8 December 2018
The central concern of the Democrats is to force Trump to assume an even more belligerent and aggressive posture toward Moscow.
Jacobin urges readers to “log off” social media
By Will Morrow, 8 December 2018
An article in Jacobin argues that Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms have become damaging to the health of the population, are “destructive for the left,” and should be done away with.
The state funeral for George H. W. Bush and the ritual of oligarchy
By Patrick Martin, 6 December 2018
The passing of the 41st US president has evoked not the slightest sadness in the American population, despite the massive effort to present George H. W. Bush as a sympathetic and historic figure.
Special Counsel sentencing memo on Flynn increases pressure on Trump
By Barry Grey, 6 December 2018
Repeating several times in the course of the 13-page filing that Flynn had provided “substantial assistance to the government,” Special Counsel Mueller recommended a sentence with no jail time.
Sully at George H.W. Bush’s funeral: Washington goes to the dogs
By Eric London, 6 December 2018
A service dog in the (unwitting) service of the political establishment.
Republican senators say “zero question” Saudi prince ordered Khashoggi assassination
By Bill Van Auken, 5 December 2018
A closed-door briefing Tuesday by CIA Director Gina Haspel confirmed Mohamed bin Salman’s responsibility for the murder of the Saudi journalist.
The Holocaust and the Bush family fortune
By Bill Van Auken, 5 December 2018
We are reposting here a commentary published by the WSWS in June 2003 following then-President George W. Bush’s tour of the gas chambers of Auschwitz.
Former Dallas cop indicted for murder of neighbor
By Trévon Austin, 3 December 2018
Guyger’s indictment marks the second Texas officer to be charged or found guilty of murder this year.
A “kinder, gentler” imperialist butcher, dead at 94
Media, political establishment laud George H. W. Bush
By Patrick Martin, 3 December 2018
Few people in recent American history have participated in the crimes of American imperialism in so many ways.
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren glorify the late President Bush
By Genevieve Leigh, 3 December 2018
Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren are among the leading “progressive” Democrats glorifying the late Bush Sr. as a “patriot” and “humble servant.”
Special counsel, Democrats step up pressure on Trump over Russia, Assange
By Barry Grey, 1 December 2018
This week's moves by Mueller highlight the reactionary character of the Democratic Party's opposition to the right-wing Trump administration.
Democrats re-elect a right-wing leadership
By Patrick Martin, 30 November 2018
The Democratic caucus in the House of Representatives has reelected the same leadership team that collaborated with the Bush administration’s war in Iraq and the Obama administration’s bailout of Wall Street.
Democrats nominate Pelosi as House speaker, reelect top aides
By Patrick Martin, 29 November 2018
The Democratic caucus retained its three top leaders, 78-year-old Nancy Pelosi, 79-year-old Steny Hoyer and 78-year-old James Clyburn.
New York Times: Our crime was telling the truth
By Andre Damon, 29 November 2018
The Times and the Washington Post are arguing that by publishing true information about political corruption, the US press committed what amounts to treason.
After Trump fires tear gas at immigrant children
Sanders declares caravan members lack a “credible” claim to asylum
By Barry Grey, 29 November 2018
Asked whether he believed that immigrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America “all have a credible claim for asylum,” the senator declared, “No, I don’t.”
Trump campaigns for Mississippi Senate candidate Hyde-Smith as Democratic challenger shifts to the right
By Patrick Martin, 27 November 2018
At an event at Mississippi State University, Hyde-Smith expressed support for efforts to suppress voter turnout on other campuses—i.e., the historically black universities in the state.
At Chicago Mayoral Forum
Unions promote corporate Democrats to succeed Rahm Emanuel
By Kristina Betinis, 27 November 2018
The Chicago Teachers Union sponsored the first major event of the city’s mayoral election campaign, hosting five right-wing Democratic Party candidates, one of them an open opponent of public education.
Hundreds rally in San Diego in defense of migrant caravan
By our reporters, 26 November 2018
Over 200 people attended a rally just hours before the US Customs and Border Protection shut down the crossing and fired tear gas at immigrants seeking to enter the US.
US military, border police attack asylum seekers at US-Mexico border
By Eric London, 26 November 2018
With the border under effective martial law, US forces deployed tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bang grenades against impoverished Central American workers and their families.
Climate change, capitalism and socialism
New climate change report: Impact of global warming “already being felt”
By Bryan Dyne, 26 November 2018
The latest report from the US Global Change Research Program confirms the danger posed by climate change and the inability of capitalist governments to address it.
In Thanksgiving teleconference, Trump appeals to military against courts, political opponents
By Joseph Kishore, 24 November 2018
In a call with representatives of the five branches of the US Armed Forces, Trump denounced judges for “telling our incredible military and law enforcement what to do.”
Illinois EPA conceals environmental health hazards from thousands
By George Gallanis, 24 November 2018
Chicago’s poor and working class West and South sides are exposed to the greatest levels of toxic air pollution.
The political fraud of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Green New Deal”
By Will Morrow, 23 November 2018
Ocasio-Cortez’s proposal, as with her entire politics, is characterized by a massive political fraud.
Trump lashes out at judiciary over immigration ruling
By Patrick Martin, 22 November 2018
The public conflict between the president and the chief justice of the Supreme Court has no parallel in American history.
America’s Thanksgivings
By David Walsh, 22 November 2018
The US on Thanksgiving 2018 presents a picture of a country plagued by malignant social inequality, with tens of millions suffering in poverty. Meanwhile, the very rich are living like never before. Political and social explosions are inevitable.
The fire in Paradise, California: From natural disaster to social catastrophe
By David Brown, 21 November 2018
While wildfires, like hurricanes, are rooted in natural causes, the horrific consequences are the product of corporate malfeasance and government neglect.
Ocasio-Cortez to support Pelosi as top Democrat and House Speaker
By Patrick Martin, 21 November 2018
The newly elected congresswoman, a member of the DSA, called Pelosi the most progressive candidate to lead Democrats in the House of Representatives.
White House backpedals on stripping CNN reporter of press pass
By Patrick Martin, 20 November 2018
The conflict was provoked by Trump’s rage at being questioned about his demonization of immigrants seeking to claim refugee status at the US-Mexico border.
Charges dropped against falsely accused Texas man
By a reporter, 20 November 2018
Christopher Precopia faced life in prison on false charges of assault on a former girlfriend.
Death toll from California fires likely to soar, with nearly 1,300 people still missing
By David Brown, 19 November 2018
There is growing popular outrage as details emerge pointing to the culpability of the state’s energy giants and government officials in creating the conditions for the deadly inferno.
Congressional Democrats push Russia probe, censorship
By Patrick Martin, 19 November 2018
With virtually all results of the November 6 election determined, the Democratic Party has cemented control over the House of Representatives with a gain of nearly 40 seats.
Little Rock, Arkansas teachers’ union relinquishes due process rights
By Nancy Hanover, 19 November 2018
The union-endorsed agreement will open the door to streamlining the ability of the Little Rock School district to fire educators.
US has spent almost $6 trillion on wars since 2001
By Trévon Austin, 17 November 2018
The Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Syria wars cost $5.6 trillion alone, not including future interest on money borrowed that will total at least $8 trillion.
Eleven military-intelligence Democrats win US House seats
By Patrick Martin, 17 November 2018
The influx of former military commanders, CIA agents and civilian war planners is unprecedented for the Democratic Party.
Migrant caravan reaches US border as Latin American governments discuss austerity and repression
By Andrea Lobo, 17 November 2018
As the first caravan of mostly Honduran migrants begins to arrive at the US border, local elites met at the Ibero-American Summit, vowing deeper social austerity and militarized repression.
US teacher unions’ “Remember in November” fizzles
By J. Cooper, 17 November 2018
After sabotaging the teachers’ strike movement last spring, the teachers unions turned all energy toward the ballot box. What happened?
Trump manoeuvres ahead of US-China trade talks
By Nick Beams, 17 November 2018
The central demand of the Trump administration is that Beijing scrap its “Made in China” program and adopt a subservient economic position in relation to the US.
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