Why does Trump keep talking about ‘communism’?

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump repeatedly labeled communism as the greatest threat to America during 250th anniversary events, using the term 14 times in a single speech and continuing the rhetoric at a Fourth of July celebration.
• Trump and Republican allies are employing “red-baiting” tactics against Democratic candidates, particularly those identifying as democratic socialists, to portray them as un-American and a threat to traditional American values.
• Historically, accusations of communism have been a political strategy in the US, notably during the McCarthy era, but today’s use of the term is more symbolic than accurate, as few American leftist politicians advocate true communist ideologies.
• Public perception of socialism and even communism is shifting, especially among younger Americans, with polls showing increasing favorability toward these ideologies, which may diminish the effectiveness of Trump’s rhetoric in mobilizing voters.
• While red-baiting may engage online audiences, research suggests it does not necessarily translate into electoral victories and could potentially backfire by making younger voters more sympathetic to leftist candidates.