The Trump Presidency
US missile treaty withdrawal sparks global nuclear arms race
By Andre Damon, 21 February 2019
A half-century after the Cuban Missile crisis brought humanity to within a hair’s breadth of destruction, Washington is fueling an even more dangerous global nuclear standoff.
Sixteen Democratic-led states file lawsuit against Trump’s national emergency
By Eric London, 21 February 2019
As the faction fight in the ruling class intensifies, the legal question the courts will answer is: can the president usurp the powers of the legislature?
Trump regime targets “loser teachers” in red-baiting tirade
By Nancy Hanover, 21 February 2019
Speaking in El Paso last week, Donald Trump, Jr. launched into a vicious McCarthyite attack on public school teachers, one of a series of anti-socialist diatribes by the administration.
Bernie Sanders announces 2020 presidential campaign
By Niles Niemuth, 20 February 2019
The senator from Vermont is reprising his role as a lightning rod to contain and defuse social opposition amid an upsurge of the international class struggle and growing interest in socialism.
US media passes over in silence Trump’s fascistic diatribe in Miami
By Bill Van Auken, 20 February 2019
To the extent that the corporate media reported the speech it was limited to foreign policy and electoral calculations, ignoring the echoes of 1930s fascism in Trump’s remarks.
Trump declares global war on socialism
By Bill Van Auken, 19 February 2019
The presentation of Trump’s presidency as a global—and domestic—crusade against socialism resurrected the kind of language that characterized not only McCarthyism, but the rise of fascism in the first half of the 20th century.
Trump threatens Alec Baldwin, calls for “retribution” against NBC
By Barry Grey, 19 February 2019
There is no precedent in US presidential history for such a direct incitement of violence against a public personality.
Following national emergency declaration
White House pushes for rapid border wall construction
By Patrick Martin, 18 February 2019
Trump’s White House aide Stephen Miller told Fox News the goal was to build more than 200 miles of wall before the 2020 election.
ICE raids terrorize immigrants across the US Southwest
By Norisa Diaz, 18 February 2019
A five-day immigration sweep in Southern California targeting 122 businesses has led to the arrest of 212 immigrants.
Trump adviser John Bolton to conduct pre-election visit to Australia
By Mike Head, 18 February 2019
One of Washington’s most vocal war hawks will arrive in the midst of a political crisis and on the eve of the federal election.
Former FBI deputy director confirms FBI, Justice officials discussed removing Trump
By Barry Grey, 16 February 2019
In his “60 Minutes” interview, McCabe confirms the existence of a plot within the FBI and Justice Department to overturn the results of the 2016 presidential election.
No agreement on US-China trade with talks to continue
By Nick Beams, 16 February 2019
The next round will be virtually the last chance to reach a formal agreement before March 1, after which the US will increase tariffs—from 10 to 25 percent—on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.
No More Deaths volunteers prosecuted for providing humanitarian aid to migrants
By Anthony del Olmo, 16 February 2019
The targeting of humanitarian aid groups is a warning that no one will be spared in the administration’s fascistic attack on immigrants.
Trump’s state of emergency
A step towards presidential dictatorship
By Patrick Martin, 16 February 2019
No American president has so flagrantly usurped the constitutional prerogative of Congress to decide how public funds are to be spent.
War summit in Warsaw
By Bill Van Auken, 15 February 2019
While Netanyahu’s statement that this week’s conference in Warsaw was called to discuss “war with Iran” was treated by the media as a gaffe, it was nothing of the kind.
As Congress enacts huge “border security” bill
Trump to declare national emergency to build wall
By Patrick Martin, 15 February 2019
The emergency declaration is an authoritarian move that overrides the constitutional separation of powers, elevating the executive branch above the legislative.
Uncertainty hangs over US border deal as shutdown deadline nears
By Patrick Martin, 14 February 2019
President Trump has not yet guaranteed that he will sign the deal to provide $1.375 billion to fund his planned border wall.
As China-US trade deadline nears
Global economic war intensifies
By Nick Beams, 12 February 2019
Prospects for a US-China trade deal took a blow last Thursday when US President Donald Trump ruled out a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping before the expiration of a March 1 deadline.
US navy challenges China in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 12 February 2019
The intrusion by two US destroyers is designed to send a menacing message to China as trade talks begin in Beijing on a deal to avert escalating US trade war measures.
Oppose the Democrats’ #MeToo witch-hunt against Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax
By Barry Grey, 11 February 2019
Once again, unsubstantiated and dubious sexual allegations are being used in a #MeToo operation driven by a right-wing political agenda.
Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage detained by ICE agents in “targeted operation”
By Nick Barrickman, 11 February 2019
The 26-year-old Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph is facing “removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts” for overstaying a temporary residency visa that expired in 2006.
Brazil’s Workers Party praises imperialist officials and Brazilian military involved in Venezuela regime change operation
By Miguel Andrade, 9 February 2019
As it feigns opposition to regime change in Venezuela, the PT has sent representatives to meet EU leaders who have been at the forefront of the siege of the country.
The working class and socialism
By Andre Damon, 9 February 2019
Trump’s denunciation of socialism in his State of the Union speech reflects the ruling class’s fear over the growth of the class struggle within the United States.
US commander says Pentagon prepared to intervene to defend Venezuela embassy
By Bill Van Auken, 8 February 2019
Testifying before the Senate Thursday, SOUTHCOM chief Admiral Faller linked the Venezuelan coup to the “great power” conflict with China and Russia.
Canada mobilizes support for US coup in Venezuela
By Keith Jones, 8 February 2019
Canada is front and center in Washington’s drive to install a virulent right-wing regime that will throw open the country to unbridled imperialist exploitation.
US-China trade talks to resume as deadline nears
By Nick Beams, 8 February 2019
While the Trump administration put a degree of positive “spin” on last month’s discussions, little progress has been reported on the key US demands.
State of Fear: Trump unleashes tirade against socialism
By Patrick Martin, 6 February 2019
The president’s claims of an economic “miracle” were belied by his denunciations of rising public support for socialism within the United States.
US issues new threats of war for oil against Venezuela
By Eric London, 4 February 2019
A military intervention in Venezuela—population 30 million—could kill hundreds of thousands or even millions of people and transform Latin America into an imperialist slaughterhouse.
Private contract workers left without pay following federal government shutdown
By Nick Barrickman, 4 February 2019
The plight of contract workers is a further exposure of the right-wing role of the federal employee unions.
As Trump threatens national emergency
Democrats offer increased spending for border policing
By Barry Grey, 2 February 2019
Even as Trump reiterated his threat to assume emergency powers, the Democrats made clear their support for the further militarization of the border.
No deal reached at US-China trade meeting
By Nick Beams, 2 February 2019
A statement issued by the White House at the conclusion of the discussions said Trump had reiterated that the US will increase tariffs unless an outcome is reached.
The US scraps the INF treaty: Another step toward nuclear war
By Andre Damon, 2 February 2019
The US withdrawal from the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty marks a major escalation of US efforts to prop up its hegemony through military means.
Immigrants in US subjected to nasal force-feeding at ICE detention center
By Patrick Martin, 1 February 2019
The Trump administration has imported the savage tortures carried out at Guantanamo Bay and other CIA prisons, for use against immigrants and refugees.
US “Worldwide Threat Assessment” takes aim at China
By Andre Damon, 1 February 2019
The annual report reflects a bipartisan escalation of US efforts to block China’s economic, military and technological development.
US escalates threats against Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 1 February 2019
US officials have made no secret that control over Venezuelan oil, and its denial to Russia and China, are the driving force of the coup.
Foxconn drastically scales back Wisconsin investment
By Jacob Crosse, 1 February 2019
This is the second time the Foxconn investment, promoted by the Trump administration as proof that its tax cuts would benefit workers, has been significantly reduced.
US and China still miles apart as trade talks are set to begin
By Nick Beams, 29 January 2019
The US is demanding China scrap its program for future economic development by implementing so-called “structural” changes.
Trump aide threatens “national emergency” decree on border wall
By Patrick Martin, 28 January 2019
White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, a former congressman, said Trump will have his border wall “with or without Congress.”
AP report exposes US role in right-wing coup in Venezuela
By Eric London, 28 January 2019
The escalating conflict raises the prospect of a US-instigated civil war with devastating consequences for Venezuela and Latin America.
Trump retreats on federal shutdown
By Patrick Martin, 26 January 2019
The political confrontation over White House demands for a border wall has only been postponed for three weeks, with Trump reiterating threats to declare a national emergency.
As air traffic controllers call in sick
Air traffic grinds to a halt in the Eastern US
By Dan de Vries and Sandy English, 26 January 2019
The US Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights into New York’s LaGuardia Airport for a short time on Friday because some air traffic controllers called in sick.
Trump’s war on immigrants escalates
Thousands seeking asylum in US to be pushed back into Mexico
By Norisa Diaz, 26 January 2019
The Department of Homeland Security will force asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their immigration cases are considered in the United States, forcing many to languish on the streets for months or years.
Long-time Trump adviser Roger Stone arrested in Mueller probe
By Patrick Martin, 26 January 2019
Stone has been indicted on charges of lying to Congress about his alleged communication, through intermediaries, with WikiLeaks.
As Senate votes down bills to end government shutdown
White House readies national emergency declaration
By Daniel de Vries, 25 January 2019
The Trump administration has prepared a draft national emergency declaration to bypass Congress and use the military to construct additional sections of the border wall with Mexico.
Trump accepts delay in State of the Union speech
By Patrick Martin, 24 January 2019
The traditional rituals of the US political system are collapsing under the impact of the mounting conflict within the ruling elite.
“I think we should take action like the L.A. teachers”
Federal workers and contractors demand action to end shutdown as second missed payday approaches
By our reporters, 24 January 2019
WSWS reporters spoke to workers Wednesday at a rally in Washington, D.C. and hiring event in Fairfax, Virginia.
Julian Assange issues “urgent” legal challenge against US extradition plans
By Mike Head, 24 January 2019
The WikiLeaks founder is seeking to block a concerted operation to terminate his political asylum in Ecuador’s London embassy.
Washington engineers right-wing coup in Venezuela
By Bill Van Auken, 24 January 2019
The backing by governments in Latin America and internationally for the US-orchestrated coup attempt are part of a global drive toward the right and dictatorship.
US government shutdown enters second month
By Daniel de Vries, 23 January 2019
As another missed payday approaches, the warring factions of the American ruling class are no closer to settling the partial government shutdown.
The way forward for US government workers in the fight against the shutdown
By Niles Niemuth, 23 January 2019
The anger of US government workers locked out or forced to work without pay is growing, but neither the AFL-CIO nor the government employee unions has called for independent action by workers to fight the shutdown.
Two years of the Trump administration
By Patrick Martin, 23 January 2019
The conflict in Washington is between different right-wing factions of the ruling class. The only progressive opposition to Trump comes from the working class.
“If giving water to someone dying of thirst is illegal, what humanity is left in the law of this country?”
Four “No More Deaths” volunteers convicted for providing humanitarian aid to migrants crossing US border
By Meenakshi Jagadeesan, 22 January 2019
A Federal Judge in Arizona has rendered a guilty verdict against four volunteers from “No More Deaths” for the crime of leaving water and food in the Arizona desert to help migrants.
Who is Democratic Senator Kamala Harris?
By David Brown, 22 January 2019
The senator from California carries a legacy as a right-wing prosecutor into her presidential campaign.
Democrats reject Trump proposal to fund border wall and end US government shutdown
By Niles Niemuth, 21 January 2019
There are growing signs of financial distress among the 500,000 federal employees forced to work without pay and the 300,000 that have been furloughed for an entire month.
Head Start, school lunches and social programs targeted for elimination
The Congressional Budget Office points US spending priorities towards “great power” conflicts: Part Two
By Guillaume Garnier and Nancy Hanover, 21 January 2019
A recent CBO report insists that the vast majority of discretionary appropriations be allocated to the US military machine and its ever-expanding wars, while outlining “options” for eviscerating social services and public education.
Latest US airstrike kills scores in Somalia
By Bill Van Auken, 21 January 2019
The latest US airstrike came in the wake of an al-Shabab attack on a hotel in Kenya that left 21 people dead.
Trump, announcing new missile defense program, ramps up nuclear arms race
By Andre Damon, 19 January 2019
Trump’s latest boondoggle for the military and defense contractors is part of the largest and most sustained military buildup since the Cold War.
US shutdown pits unpaid workers vs. political establishment and unions
By Daniel de Vries, 19 January 2019
There are growing fears in the ruling class that the prolonged shutdown could trigger strike action
“Made in China 2025” at centre of US-China economic war
By Gabriel Black, 19 January 2019
The US regards the “Made in China 2025” initiative as a major threat to its own global economic and strategic domination.
Growing signs of worker resistance to US government shutdown
By Philip Guelpa, 18 January 2019
A TSA representative reported Wednesday that increasing numbers are explicitly stating that their refusal to come into work is due to financial hardship.
Native American organizations denounce government shutdown as an abrogation of treaties
By Shelley Connor, 18 January 2019
Now in its fourth week, the partial government shutdown has had wide-ranging and devastating effects upon Native Americans.
House Speaker Pelosi asks Trump to postpone State of the Union address
By Niles Niemuth, 17 January 2019
A letter to the White House cited the lack of funding for the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security due to the partial government shutdown, now in its fourth week.
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.
Pentagon extends troop deployment at Mexican border until September
By Matthew Taylor, 17 January 2019
The Trump administration is increasing its repressive measures against immigrants, including doubling the capacity of an immigrant detention center for youth in Homestead, Florida.
Amid stalled US-North Korean talks, second Trump-Kim summit mooted
By Peter Symonds, 16 January 2019
The unstated aim of Trump’s diplomacy has been to “flip” North Korea—that is, to induce Pyongyang through threats and bribes to reorient away from Beijing and towards Washington.
US shutdown: Sickouts by screeners throw airports into crisis
By Rebecca Campbell, 15 January 2019
The sickouts are one reflection of growing anger and determination to take action against uncompensated, compulsory labor for 420,000 workers and the lockout of another 380,000.
US ratchets up threats against Iran, Turkey amid Syria withdrawal plans
By Bill Van Auken, 15 January 2019
While the timetable for US troops to pull out of Syria remains unclear, Washington is steadily escalating tensions in the region.
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.
Trump’s “national emergency” threat and the danger of presidential dictatorship
By Patrick Martin, 10 January 2019
Congressional Democrats and the corporate media are deliberately downplaying the danger to democratic rights and constitutional norms embodied in Trump’s threats.
Six killed in “preemptive” security operation in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province
By Bill Van Auken, 10 January 2019
The bloody repression in the predominantly Shia oil-producing region is another indication of the deep crisis of Washington’s principal ally in the Arab world.
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.
US-Turkish tensions rise over Syria withdrawal plan
By Bill Van Auken, 9 January 2019
Turkey’s president denounced statements by national security adviser John Bolton on the Syrian Kurds after refusing to meet with a US delegation.
US-China trade talks extended, amid continuing obstacles
By Peter Symonds, 9 January 2019
Washington’s aggressive stance was underscored by the provocative dispatch of a US destroyer to challenge Chinese claims in the South China Sea on day one of the trade talks.
Guatemalan establishment indifferent to deaths of US incarcerated migrant children
By Andrea Lobo, 9 January 2019
The reaction in ruling circles not only reflects their disdain for the country’s impoverished masses, but also their efforts to demonstrate loyal submission to the Trump administration.
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.
Bolton walks back Trump’s Syria troop withdrawal
By Bill Van Auken, 8 January 2019
Whatever the intent of Trump’s demagogic promise to “bring the troops home,” the ruling establishment is determined to continue the US wars for hegemony in the Middle East.
Twenty-two deaths reported in immigrant detention centers since Trump took office
By Niles Niemuth, 8 January 2019
A review of the circumstances leading to the death of each person in ICE custody reveals that nearly all died as the result of criminal neglect or abuse.
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.
Trump deploys troops to central Africa following disputed Congo election
By Eddie Haywood, 7 January 2019
Washington is making it clear that it intends to install a pliant government in Kinshasa that will ensure that America’s economic interests are secured.
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.
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.”
Trump administration opens 2019 with tear gas attack on migrants at US-Mexico border
By Niles Niemuth, 3 January 2019
Border patrol agents fired three volleys of gas at a group of approximately 150 people as they sought to cross over a border fence from Tijuana into the United States.
In deleted tweet, US nuclear command declares itself “ready” to “drop something”
By Andre Damon, 3 January 2019
On New Year’s Eve, the US Strategic Command, which oversees the United States’ nuclear arsenal, posted a tweet declaring its readiness to “drop something much, much bigger” than the “big ball” at Times Square in New York.
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.
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.
Trump’s visit to Iraq and Washington’s never-ending war in the Middle East
By Bill Van Auken, 28 December 2018
Trump’s buffoonish performance in Iraq carried one serious message: With or without troops in Syria, the decades-long US war for hegemony in the Middle East goes on.
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.
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.
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