Trump brands his opponents as 'communists,' stirring up an American history of fear

Los Angeles Times - May 4th, 2025

President Trump, during his second term, has revived the use of the term 'communist' to label and discredit his opponents, including judges and educators, as threats to American identity. This strategy, previously used against Kamala Harris in the election, helped him win despite more than half of voters opposing him. Trump's rhetoric, echoed by aides like Stephen Miller, aims to tap into Cold War fears and paint his adversaries negatively, particularly targeting older Americans who recall the historical weight of such accusations.

The implications of Trump's strategy are significant, as it leverages misinformation in an era ripe with social media influence. Scholars argue that his use of 'communist' is largely rhetorical, aiming to evoke emotional reactions and obscure the real debate on government intervention in the economy. This tactic is reminiscent of McCarthy-era paranoia, influenced by Trump's mentor Roy Cohn. The narrative also coincides with economic challenges, like shrinking GDP and trade tensions with China, suggesting a diversionary tactic to rally support amid controversial policies.

Donald Trump Kamala Harris Cold War Stephen Miller Misinformation Trade War Political Strategy Communism

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RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively combines historical context with current political strategies to provide a comprehensive analysis of Trump's use of the term 'communist.' It scores well in accuracy, source quality, and clarity, offering a nuanced perspective on a complex issue. While the piece is timely and addresses a topic of public interest, it could benefit from a broader range of viewpoints and greater transparency in its methodology. Overall, it serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to understand the implications of political rhetoric in shaping public discourse.

Accuracy

The story presents a generally accurate depiction of Trump's rhetorical strategies and historical context, supported by expert opinions and historical references. The claim that Trump uses the term 'communist' as a political tool aligns with known tactics from his previous campaigns. However, the article could benefit from more precise data verification, such as Trump's exact vote percentage and the specific economic impact of his tariffs. The historical context provided about the Red Scare and McCarthyism is accurate and helps frame the narrative effectively.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including expert opinions that contextualize Trump's use of 'communist' as a rhetorical device. It mentions both the historical fear associated with communism and the present-day political strategy. However, the piece could be improved by including perspectives from Trump's supporters or those who might agree with his characterizations, providing a fuller spectrum of viewpoints.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly presents its main points, making it easy to follow. The language is straightforward, and the historical context is explained in a way that enhances understanding. However, some sections could benefit from more concise language to improve readability and focus.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including quotes from experts like Raymond Robertson and Jacob Neiheisel, which enhance its reliability. The use of historical context and references to known political figures such as Roy Cohn adds depth to the narrative. However, the article could improve by citing more diverse sources, particularly those directly involved in or affected by Trump's rhetoric.

Transparency

The article provides a reasonable level of transparency by explaining the historical context of the term 'communist' and its emotional power. However, it lacks explicit disclosure of its methodology or the criteria used to select experts and sources. Greater transparency about the sources of economic data and public opinion polls would enhance credibility.