Trump attacks Democrats as 'godless communists' in test of midterms message
US President Donald Trump used a religious conservative conference to label Democrats as 'godless communists' after progressive primary wins in New York, previewing a Republican midterm strategy.
Donald Trump has previewed a Republican strategy for the midterm elections, seizing on a progressive sweep in New York to portray Democrats as "godless communists" who pose an existential threat to the nation. Addressing the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s annual Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton on Friday, the US president warned that the radical left wants to "completely destroy the traditional American way of life."
Trump focused on Tuesday’s Democratic primary results in New York, where three leftwing candidates endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani—a democratic socialist and the city’s first Muslim mayor—defeated incumbents or establishment rivals. He claimed the left seeks to "resume the transgender mutilation of children," "restart the war on Christians and churches," and pursue a communist ideology that leads to suffering and death. The president also repeated false claims of election rigging and defended his war in Iran.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also addressed the conference, warning of "little mini-Mamdanis popping up all around the country running for Congress." He described the insurgent left as "some of the most radical people who have ever run for office," openly running as Marxists and communists. Johnson listed alleged positions of leftist candidates, including refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance, ties to al-Qaida, wanting to abolish borders and police, and performing a Satanist wedding.
Attendees had mixed reactions. Sandy Schoepke, selling Trump merchandise, said the president is doing "absolutely fabulous." Tom Miller, 73, praised Trump for breaking records on religious liberty. But Felix Angelastro, 65, who works for a Republican digital ad platform, described the Iran war as "troublesome" and said Trump has already lost some support.
Trump also addressed the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, which turned green from algae after a $14.7 million renovation and will not be ready for July 4. He blamed vandals, though a National Park Service official stated in a sworn court statement that apparent intentional damage was examined on June 9.
