The Trump Presidency
Democrats, White House position themselves for impeachment vote
By Patrick Martin, 9 December 2019
The House Judiciary Committee is expected to vote articles of impeachment against Trump this week.
Video exposes US Custom and Border Protection’s lies in death of teenage immigrant
By Adam Mclean, 7 December 2019
The gross and criminal negligence shown in the video is not an accident, but is in line with the anti-immigrant policy of the Trump administration.
Pelosi announces Democrats to begin drafting impeachment charges against Trump
By Patrick Martin, 6 December 2019
The House Speaker announced Thursday plans to draw up articles of impeachment for President Trump.
Impeachment hearing opens with Democratic Party blast against Russia
By Patrick Martin, 5 December 2019
The opening statement by House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold Nadler set the tone for a hearing that repeatedly returned to the bogus allegations of massive Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
NATO summit dominated by growing inter-state conflicts
By Alex Lantier, 5 December 2019
Explosive conflicts over trade and military policy between Washington and its main European allies erupted this week at the NATO summit in London.
Democrats’ report confirms anti-Russia axis of impeachment inquiry
By Barry Grey, 4 December 2019
The Democrats’ 300-page report is all about Ukraine and the central role it occupies in the geo-strategic operations of the United States directed against Russia.
Trump escalates global trade war
By Nick Beams, 4 December 2019
Responding to a question in London on whether there was a deadline for a trade deal with China, Trump said: “I like the idea of waiting until after the election for the China deal.”
A Warning: A manifesto of the pro-war “Resistance” in the American state
By Andre Damon, 4 December 2019
The book makes clear that the “Resistance” to Trump’s policies within the US government, which forms the basis of the Democrats’ impeachment drive, centers on claims that Trump is insufficiently aggressive in defending and expanding America’s imperial interests.
House Democrats begin next phase of impeachment drive
By Patrick Martin, 3 December 2019
The White House is refusing to participate in the first formal impeachment hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, set for Wednesday.
Iranian government kills hundreds in bid to suppress the worst protests in decades
By Jean Shaoul, 3 December 2019
There is no doubt that the US, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf monarchies and Israel are seeking to exploit the escalating crisis confronting Iran.
The DSA on impeachment or: How the DSA learned to stop worrying and love Bolton
By Genevieve Leigh, 3 December 2019
The Democratic Socialists of America has given its full support to the impeachment campaign, lining up behind John Bolton and the other reactionaries promoted by the Democratic Party.
Obama spearheads campaign against Sanders’ nomination as Democratic presidential candidate
By Patrick Martin, 2 December 2019
The Democratic Party establishment wants to ensure that issues of social inequality are not a focal point in the elections, even in the toothless form represented by Sanders and Warren.
US Attorney General William Barr’s brief for presidential dictatorship
By Tom Carter, 2 December 2019
Even by the degraded standards of American political discourse at present, Barr’s speech was exceptional for its essentially anti-democratic and fascistic content.
Imperialist powers intensify pressure on Iranian regime in wake of protests
By Jordan Shilton, 30 November 2019
US imperialism is chiefly responsible for the tense standoff in the Persian Gulf. But the claims of the Iranian regime that “collective security” can be achieved by establishing a closer military alliance with Beijing and Moscow are reactionary.
Trump threatens to designate Mexican cartels as “terrorists”
By Andrea Lobo, 28 November 2019
The step would set the stage for direct US military interventions in Mexico, while pressuring the Mexican government to escalate militarized repression of social opposition.
Trump’s war crime pardons: Cultivating a fascistic base in the military
By Bill Van Auken, 27 November 2019
The unprecedented intervention in defense of Navy Seal Edward Gallagher is aimed not just at facilitating war crimes abroad, but at preparing forces to be used against the working class at home.
US navy secretary fired in case of pardoned SEAL war criminal
By Bill Van Auken, 26 November 2019
The crimes of Gallagher and the other war criminals pardoned by Trump account for a minuscule portion of the civilians massacred in the illegal wars waged by US imperialism over the past 18 years.
Judge denies “absolute immunity” of White House aides
By Patrick Martin, 26 November 2019
The ruling by Judge Kenji Brown Jackson was a sweeping rejection of the Trump administration’s claims that top officials cannot be compelled to testify before Congress.
Who decided the US should fight a “hot war” with Russia?
By Andre Damon, 23 November 2019
The impeachment inquiry has exposed a US conspiracy to spend billions of dollars to overthrow an elected government in Ukraine and foment a civil war that has killed thousands of people.
Trump overrides Navy’s bid to evict war criminal from SEALS
By Bill Van Auken, 22 November 2019
This was the fourth intervention by the US president in the case of Edward Gallagher, a Navy SEAL charged with shooting civilians and murdering a prisoner during the 2017 siege of Mosul.
US activist who sheltered migrants found not guilty in second trial
By Aaron Murch, 22 November 2019
The verdict, after less than two hours of deliberation, reflects the broad support for humanitarian aid for immigrants.
US, EU gave over $20 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine since 2014
By Patrick Martin, 21 November 2019
Testimony at the final impeachment hearing confirmed the massive scale of imperialist operations in Ukraine, aimed at undermining and attacking Russia.
The impeachment crisis and American imperialism
By Patrick Martin, 21 November 2019
The principal crime revealed in the impeachment hearings is how American imperialism conducts itself towards smaller and less powerful nations such as Ukraine.
Impeachment hearing highlights conflict over US policy in Ukraine
By Patrick Martin, 20 November 2019
The driving force of the Democratic Party inquiry is the US effort to use Ukraine as a base of operations and front-line state in the confrontation with Russia.
In the face of attacks by billionaires, Obama
Elizabeth Warren backpedals on “Medicare for All”
By Kate Randall, 20 November 2019
Less than three weeks after presenting her “Medicare for All” proposal, Warren is backtracking on virtually all of its components.
As second week of public hearings begins
Pelosi doubles down on anti-Russia politics of impeachment inquiry
By Barry Grey, 19 November 2019
Pelosi once again defined as the sole issue in the Democrats’ case for impeachment the charge that Trump endangered US “national security” and strengthened Russia.
US declares Israeli settlements no longer illegal
By Jean Shaoul, 19 November 2019
The US ruling is a green light for an escalation in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the annexation of Palestinian land.
Protests as Trump labor board moves to restrict grad student unions
By Michael Walters, 19 November 2019
The Trump-appointed National Labor Relations Board proposed a rule that would deny the right of graduate students to organize.
Former US Secretary of State Kissinger points to danger of “catastrophic” conflict between US and China
By Nick Beams, 16 November 2019
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has warned of an inevitable “conflict” between the US and China that “will be worse than the world wars that ruined European civilisation.”
Seeking to cultivate fascistic base, Trump pardons two war criminals and promotes a third
By Evan Blake, 16 November 2019
Trump’s unprecedented pardoning of war criminals highlights the authoritarian character of his administration.
The Trump impeachment and US policy in Ukraine
By Patrick Martin, 16 November 2019
The public hearings on impeachment have brought to light bitter recriminations within the US ruling elite sparked by the failure of its anti-Russia efforts in Ukraine.
Popular resistance mounts against Bolivian coup
By Andrea Lobo, 15 November 2019
Thousands of workers and peasants in Bolivia’s capital of La Paz, the neighboring district of El Alto and in Cochabamba have taken to the streets in defiance of police-military repression.
Leaked emails reveal Trump aide Stephen Miller’s fascist politics
By Trévon Austin, 15 November 2019
Emails published by the Southern Poverty Law Center show Stephen Miller, White House senior adviser in charge of immigration policy, espousing racist views and promoting white supremacist and neo-Nazi publications.
Erdoğan-Trump meeting resolves none of US-Turkish conflicts
By Bill Van Auken, 15 November 2019
While Trump described the meeting as “wonderful,” there were no indications of any substantive agreements on Syria, Russian S-400s or any other issue.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro threatens use of dictatorship-era law against Lula for “inciting violence”
By Miguel Andrade, 15 November 2019
Bolsonaro and the military brass met immediately after Lula was allowed to leave prison while appealing a corruption sentence.
Democrats begin impeachment hearings with denunciations of Russia
By Patrick Martin, 14 November 2019
The first day of public, televised hearings demonstrates that in the impeachment conflict two right-wing factions of the ruling class are fighting out differences over foreign policy.
US Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Trump’s decision to end DACA
By Ed Hightower, 14 November 2019
The right-wing bloc appeared ready to serve up 800,000 undocumented immigrant youth to the Trump administration’s fascistic deportation machine.
Public impeachment hearings to escalate political warfare in Washington
By Barry Grey, 13 November 2019
The bitter conflict within the state is between two right-wing factions of the ruling class that have been battling one another over foreign policy questions since Trump’s nomination as the Republican candidate for president.
Trump threatens “substantial” increase in anti-China tariffs
By Nick Beams, 13 November 2019
In a speech to the New York Economic Club, Trump claimed, amid falling GDP numbers, that his administration had “launched an economic boom the likes of which we have never seen before.”
Another leading House Republican decides to retire
By Philip Guelpa, 12 November 2019
Representative Peter King’s decision not to run for re-election exemplifies the growing crisis of the Republican Party.
Impeachment crisis: Democrats, Trump maneuver ahead of televised hearings
By Patrick Martin, 11 November 2019
The line-up of witnesses for the first week of televised hearings is remarkable since it consists entirely of State Department officials who still work for the Trump administration testifying publicly against their own boss.
Trump rules out rollback of China tariffs
By Nick Beams, 11 November 2019
Trump’s remarks were in response to a statement by Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman Gao Feng that the two sides had agreed to reduce tariffs on each other’s goods as part of any agreement.
In Berlin Wall speech, Pompeo advances crusade against Russia and China
By Bill Van Auken, 11 November 2019
In a hypocritical address invoking a worldwide crusade for “freedom,” Pompeo escalated US threats of global war.
Filmmaker Errol Morris provides the extreme-right’s Stephen Bannon a platform in American Dharma
By David Walsh, 11 November 2019
All in all, Morris treats Bannon with kid gloves.
White House appears increasingly isolated in impeachment crisis
By Patrick Martin, 8 November 2019
The CIA-instigated impeachment inquiry will begin public hearings next week with a parade of State Department witnesses.
For a kinder, gentler assault on immigrants
Bernie Sanders unveils immigration plan
By Kevin Martinez, 8 November 2019
The Democratic presidential candidate rhetorically attacks theworst of Trump’s immigration policies but would keep the border regimeintact.
Trump calls for US troops to wage “war” on drug cartels in Mexico
By Eric London, 6 November 2019
Trump tweeted: “This is the time for Mexico, with the help of the United States, to wage WAR on the drug cartels and wipe them off the face of the earth.”
Democrats make gains in off-year elections
By Patrick Martin, 6 November 2019
In the biggest single contest, for governor of Kentucky, Democrat Andy Beshear unseated incumbent Republican Matt Bevin, despite a last-minute appearance by President Trump.
Washington Post and New York Times incite racist campaign against Chinese-Americans
By Andre Damon, 5 November 2019
The newspapers most closely associated with the Democratic Party and the US intelligence agencies are inciting racially-motivated suspicions of Americans of Chinese ancestry.
US impeachment inquiry releases first transcripts
By Patrick Martin, 5 November 2019
The publication of the testimony of two top State Department officials marks a new stage in the impeachment effort.
US Attorney General William Barr and the establishment of religion
By Ed Hightower, 5 November 2019
Barr’s speech last month at Notre Dame was effectively a call for the repudiating the First Amendment and abolishing the separation of church and state.
Democrats, media silent over identification of CIA “whistleblower”
By Patrick Martin, 4 November 2019
The official who filed a complaint against Trump has been identified by pro-Republican sources as 33-year-old Eric Ciaramella, a CIA analyst who worked in the White House under Obama and Trump.
Trump targets Corbyn in UK election intervention
By Laura Tiernan, 2 November 2019
Trump’s intervention comes less than four months after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned the US government would not allow a Corbyn government to take office and would “push back” to prevent this.
Comparing two impeachments
By Barry Grey and Andre Damon, 2 November 2019
In light of Thursday’s vote in the House of Representatives to formalize the impeachment inquiry against Trump, it is worth contrasting the events now unfolding in Washington to those that led to the resignation of Richard Nixon 45 years ago.
US House of Representatives votes to back impeachment inquiry
By Patrick Martin, 1 November 2019
The vote sets the stage for public hearings and the approval of formal articles of impeachment, perhaps within the month.
Trump’s booing at the World Series makes Democrats and the media nervous
By David Walsh, 31 October 2019
What upsets all these people, in the final analysis, is the thought of masses of people taking matters into their hands, outside the established channels, including the “authoritative” media outlets.
Democrats to hold House vote to authorize impeachment inquiry
By Barry Grey, 30 October 2019
The political character of those within the military and intelligence agencies with whom the Democrats are aligned is reflected in the Trump officials who have defied White House orders and agreed to testify in the impeachment inquiry.
The global youth radicalization and the fight for socialism
By Eric London, 30 October 2019
The political awakening of the most educated, urbanized and technologically interconnected generation in history is of critical strategic significance for the entire working class.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the forgotten history of Iraq
By Andre Damon, 29 October 2019
Whether Baghdadi was an enemy of the United States, a CIA asset, or both, one thing is certain: the rise of ISIS was the byproduct of criminal actions by the US government spanning four decades.
Seventy percent of US Millennials say they are likely to vote socialist
By Genevieve Leigh, 29 October 2019
The growing interest in and support for socialism coincides with a significant growth of class struggle and social protest internationally.
Trump makes fascist appeal to police in Chicago
By Barry Grey, 29 October 2019
The U.S. president doubled down on his efforts to rally support within the police and military for dictatorial methods and the use of state violence against immigrants and the working class as a whole.
Trump booed at World Series game
By Patrick Martin, 29 October 2019
The incident came only hours after Trump’s nationally televised gloating over the assassination of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
One year since the first Boeing 737 Max 8 crash
By Bryan Dyne, 29 October 2019
The year since the crash in Indonesia has exposed the collusion between Boeing, the federal government and the trade unions that led to the deaths of 346 men, women and children.
Court ruling declares House impeachment inquiry to be legal
By Patrick Martin, 28 October 2019
The ruling by Judge Beryl A. Howell constitutes a rebuttal of the arguments made by the White House and congressional Republicans against the constitutionality of the impeachment inquiry.
Trump shifts from ending “forever wars” to sending tanks into Syria’s oil fields
By Bill Van Auken, 26 October 2019
While pitched as a defense against ISIS, the proposed occupation of the oil fields is aimed at denying vital resources to Syria’s government.
Justice Department probe of Russia-Trump inquiry has become a “criminal investigation”
By Patrick Martin, 26 October 2019
The Trump administration is using the Justice Department investigation as a counterweight to the House impeachment inquiry.
Trump proposal denies free school meals to half a million children
By Kate Randall, 25 October 2019
The USDA rule change would throw more than 680,000 households with children off food stamps. About 540,000 children in these families would no longer be eligible for free school meals.
US military allowed to shoot at vehicles at entry ports along southern border
By Patrick Martin, 25 October 2019
Migrants at the US-Mexico border will be treated like suspected terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Trump urges congressional Republicans to “take the gloves off” in impeachment crisis
By Patrick Martin, 24 October 2019
The White House has been panicked by signs of erosion of support against impeachment among congressional Republicans.
Recriminations within Brazilian ruling classes over Trump’s OECD snub
By Miguel Andrade, 24 October 2019
Contrary to expectations, the US State Department didn’t propose Brazil for OECD membership, triggering a wave of criticism of Bolsonaro for the diplomatic failure.
Top US diplomat in Ukraine tells impeachment inquiry Trump tied military aid to Biden probe
By Niles Niemuth, 23 October 2019
The effort to impeach Trump has gained steam in the aftermath of his decision to order the withdrawal of troops from northeastern Syria.
US troops withdraw across Syrian border into Iraq
By Patrick Martin, 22 October 2019
While Trump has sought to strike a phony antiwar posture with his pullout order, the troops leaving Syria will remain in the Middle East.
Military brass denounce Trump’s withdrawal of troops from Syria
By Barry Grey, 21 October 2019
The extraordinary intervention of high-ranking retired generals is a breach of the core constitutional principle of the subordination of the military to civilian authority.
As president delivers fascistic speech in Dallas
Democrats link Trump impeachment drive to dissent in military over Syria pullback
By Barry Grey, 19 October 2019
Retired Special Operations Commander William McRaven published an op-ed piece in the New York Times Thursday calling for Trump’s removal “the sooner, the better.”
US claims “ceasefire” deal in Turkey’s invasion of Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 18 October 2019
After US Vice President Pence and Turkish President Erdogan met Thursday, Turkish officials bragged that Ankara got everything it wanted.
Trump defends US pullback in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 17 October 2019
Amid mounting opposition from within Congress and the military, Trump defended his order to withdraw a small contingent of US special forces from northeastern Syria.
Testimony highlights key role of Bolton in impeachment inquiry against Trump
By Barry Grey, 16 October 2019
The forces with which the Democrats are aligned include Bolton, who speaks for the most rabidly militaristic factions of the neo-conservative right wing.
Trump conference video incites violence against opponents
By Patrick Martin, 15 October 2019
The gruesome video imagines Trump using guns, knives, spears and other weapons to slaughter his critics in the media and the Democratic Party.
US Supreme Court term begins with new threats to democratic rights
By Ed Hightower, 15 October 2019
The newly consolidated 5-4 far-right majority on the court is poised to hand down rulings imposing further restrictions on abortion rights, gay rights and basic civil liberties.
US impeachment inquiry: State Department official testifies in defiance of Trump ban
By Patrick Martin, 14 October 2019
Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch is the first Trump administration official to testify before the House Intelligence Committee since the White House declared its policy of noncooperation with the impeachment inquiry.
Trump backs China’s handling of Hong Kong protests
By Peter Symonds, 14 October 2019
Trump’s comments demonstrate that US imperialism, far from defending democratic rights, cynically and selectively exploits “human rights” as the means for prosecuting its own interests.
No to American fascism! Build a mass movement to force Trump out!
By the Political Committee of the Socialist Equality Party, 14 October 2019
The defeat of Trump’s efforts to create an extreme rightwing authoritarian regime and the defense of democratic rights require the political mobilization of the working class.
Oppose the Turkish military offensive in Syria!
By the International Committee of the Fourth International, 14 October 2019
As Ankara seeks a militarist solution to ethnic and class conflicts inflamed by decades of imperialist interventions, the Middle East and the world are on the brink of all-out war.
US sends 3,000 more troops to defend Saudi monarchy
By Bill Van Auken, 12 October 2019
The escalation of the US troop deployment in the region followed on the heels of a missile attack on an Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea.
US and China reach limited trade deal
By Nick Beams, 12 October 2019
The markets responded enthusiastically with the Dow finishing up by more than 300 points, but for all the celebrations, the agreement is very limited.
US immigration policies sending thousands of children, including babies, back to Mexico
By Kevin Martinez, 12 October 2019
The Trump administration has ordered 16,000 migrants under the age of 18 to await their US immigration court hearings in Mexico, including nearly 500 infants.
Trump makes fascistic appeal to police and military at Minneapolis rally
By Patrick Martin, 11 October 2019
The president spoke at his first rally since the start of the impeachment inquiry with dozens of red-shirted police as a backdrop, and any protesters physically removed.
Immigrants shut down Matamoros-Brownsville border crossing in protest over US-Mexico asylum ban
By Eric London, 11 October 2019
The protest is a powerful indication of growing opposition among the estimated 40,000 immigrants being held in inhumane conditions in Northern Mexico.
WikiLeaks source Jeremy Hammond held in contempt by grand jury
By Kevin Reed, 11 October 2019
Information activist Jeremy Hammond has been found in contempt of court for refusing to answer questions before the same judge and grand jury that imprisoned Chelsea Manning.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's “Just Society”: Palliatives that will never be implemented
By Genevieve Leigh, 11 October 2019
Most of the proposals involve tweaks and adjustments to existing laws, with little new funding to address social needs.
Trump asserts unchecked presidential powers
By Patrick Martin, 10 October 2019
Trump’s attorneys are arguing that neither state prosecutors nor Congress have any power over the chief executive.
Turkey launches US-backed offensive targeting Kurdish forces in Syria
By Alex Lantier, 10 October 2019
Turkish air raids and artillery bombardments hit cities and military and civilian targets along approximately 100 kilometers of the Turkey-Syria border.
US-North Korean nuclear talks stall again
By Peter Symonds, 10 October 2019
Negotiations in Sweden on Saturday broke up with North Korea declaring that it would not take part in another session of “sickening negotiations” unless the US offered a substantial concession.
Trump admits US killed millions in war based on lies
By Bill Van Auken, 10 October 2019
Whatever his immediate intentions, Trump has admitted that successive US governments have engaged in war crimes resulting in mass murder.
Trump White House declares it will not cooperate with impeachment inquiry
By Joseph Kishore, 9 October 2019
The Democrats have chosen quite deliberately to base their opposition to Trump on the most reactionary, anti-democratic grounds possible: support for the intelligence agencies and American imperialism.
“Meet the Press” anchor Chuck Todd grills senator: “You don’t trust the FBI and CIA?”
By Barry Grey, 8 October 2019
An exchange between “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd and Senator Ron Johnson sums up the right-wing basis on which the Democratic Party is conducting its impeachment drive against Trump.
Trump issues proclamation to deny immigration visas to workers lacking health insurance
By Casey Gold, 8 October 2019
Last Friday, the White House released a presidential proclamation suspending immigration visas for applicants “who will financially burden the United States health care system.”
Little prospect of agreement as US-China trade talks set to resume
By Nick Beams, 8 October 2019
China is reported to be opposed to any all-encompassing deal on trade and changes to its economic programs along the lines being demanded by the US.
US impeachment campaign escalates with claim of second whistleblower
By Patrick Martin, 7 October 2019
The Democratic Party continues to draw support from the intelligence agencies for its anti-Trump effort.
Pompeo signs US-Greek military alliance and threatens Iran, Russia, China
By Alex Lantier and V. Gnana, 7 October 2019
Aggressive US and European foreign policy is intensifying the risk that great-power conflict over the Balkans and the Middle East can trigger a global war.
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