President Trump don ramp up im anti-communism talk as e dey campaign for midterms. For a press conference after NATO summit for Ankara, Turkey, Trump yarn say communism na the biggest threat wey America face since e start. E say, “Communism easy to sell. I for be the greatest communist for history. I for dey up there with Lenin.”
This no be new tactic. For last election, when e no get strong attack line against Kamala Harris, e land on “Comrade Kamala.” E even share fake photo of Harris wey dey speak for red light with communist flags. Trump defend am, say e get to run campaign im own way. “I think we dey hit nerve,” e say. “All we need to do na define our opponent as communist or socialist wey go destroy our country.”
Politicians don use “communist” to attack opponents since 1950s. Trump, wey just turn 80, grow up for that era. Presidential historian Tevi Troy say, “This dey for im bones.” Anti-communism na dominant view for America then, and Trump mentor Roy Cohn help hunt communists under Senator Joe McCarthy. McCarthy harsh tactics cause blowback, but Trump still dey use am.
Trump increase anti-communism rhetoric after democratic socialist candidates win primaries for New York and Colorado. E also paint am as threat to religion. For Faith & Freedom Coalition conference, e say, “They go close your churches if dem go communist. Dem go kill your people.”
Jennifer Stromer-Galley, wey study political messaging for Syracuse University, say Trump dey confuse democratic socialism with communism to energize im base. Democratic socialists want economy driven by society needs, not profit, with public ownership and social programs. Communists want end capitalism and state-run economy. Polls show Trump support drop for key issues like immigration. “Part of wetin Trump dey do na create new boogeyman,” she say.
Economic concerns, partly from Iran war, help drive support for candidates wey back bigger social safety net. Trump dey recast debate for ideological terms. But question be how much this attack line still work. Raymond Robertson from Texas A&M say anti-communist label still strong for older voters, but no for younger ones. “Younger generations no get that context,” e say. “Dem only remember first Trump administration and Obama. Cold War na ancient history.”
White House dismiss claims wey call comparisons idiotic, say Trump agenda na revitalize American industry and reshore manufacturing.
