Story perspectives

Trump Cites “Communism” 81 Times, GOP Courts Hispanic Voters

7/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump has used “communism” 81 times since June 23, raising rhetoric before the midterms.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales warned Democrats’ embrace of socialism and communism threatens United States.
Republican strategists said tests show the anti-communist message resonates with Hispanic voters in Florida and Texas but not independents, while House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters frame election as a choice between sense and extremism.

History

Historical Context

In April-June 1954 the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Karl Mundt, televised the Army-McCarthy hearings, drawing about 80 million viewers. The confrontations, especially Joseph Welch’s “have you no sense of decency?” exchange, shifted public opinion and led the Senate to censure McCarthy by a 67-22 vote on Dec 2 1954. Today Donald Trump’s anti-communist rhetoric echoes that era, influencing the 2024 midterm narrative.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump has used “communism” 81 times since June 23, raising rhetoric before the midterms.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales warned Democrats’ embrace of socialism and communism threatens United States.
Republican strategists said tests show the anti-communist message resonates with Hispanic voters in Florida and Texas but not independents, while House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters frame election as a choice between sense and extremism.

1 / 2