The Trump Presidency
Transatlantic tensions dominate G7 summit
By Peter Schwarz, 27 May 2017
Nearly a decade after the 2008 financial crisis, the conflicting interests among the imperialist powers have reached a point at which they can no longer be reconciled through talks and diplomacy.
War clouds over South Asia
By Keith Jones, 27 May 2017
South Asia is becoming more and more geo-politically polarized between an India allied with US imperialism and a Pakistan backed by Beijing.
Trump adviser and son-on-law Jared Kushner under investigation in probe of Russia ties
By Barry Grey, 27 May 2017
The political warfare in Washington has intensified with media reports that Kushner is among those being investigated by the FBI and special counsel Robert Mueller.
Republican health plan would leave 23 million uninsured, budget office says
By Kate Randall, 26 May 2017
The AHCA would leave 23 million fewer insured by 2026, slashing $824 billion from Medicaid and driving up premiums for older Americans and those with preexisting conditions.
Trump’s budget proposal to slash $192 billion from food assistance programs
By Nick Barrickman, 26 May 2017
The cuts would be phased in over a period of 10 years and are of a piece with the broader budget, which would inflict an unprecedented $3.6 trillion in austerity.
Appeals court upholds injunction on Trump’s anti-Muslim travel ban
By Tom Hall, 26 May 2017
The Fourth Circuit’s ruling declared that Trump’s executive order “drips with religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination.”
Conflict between Europe and America dominates NATO summit
By Johannes Stern, 26 May 2017
The first trip by US President Donald Trump to Europe has exposed the deep rift in the transatlantic alliance.
$1.4 trillion in cuts to health program for the poor
Trump budget aims to fatally cripple Medicaid
By Patrick Martin, 25 May 2017
The measures proposed by the White House would cut off tens of millions of people from access to health care, dramatically increasing disease, suffering and death.
Trump to press for increased defence spending at NATO summit
By Johannes Stern, 25 May 2017
Thursday’s summit takes place in the context of a deep crisis to which the ruling classes on both sides of the Atlantic are responding with a sharp shift to the right.
Trump’s scorched-earth budget: $1.7 trillion in cuts to vital social programs
By Kate Randall, 24 May 2017
Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget, titled “A New Foundation for American Greatness,” is a 52-page declaration of war against the working class.
Ex-CIA director’s testimony fuels new round of anti-Russian agitation
By Patrick Martin, 24 May 2017
John Brennan testified Tuesday before an open session of the House Intelligence Committee and later behind closed doors.
US launches raid in Yemen as Trump concludes Middle East trip
By Bill Van Auken, 24 May 2017
The US special forces raid on Yemen followed Trump’s massive arms deals with Saudi Arabia, which that will fuel the kingdom’s savage war against a population on the brink of starvation.
New South Korean government pushes sham “chaebol” reform
By Ben McGrath, 24 May 2017
The Moon administration speaks for weaker layers of big business that are unable to compete with the major conglomerates.
In visit to Israel, Trump escalates attacks on Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 23 May 2017
The US president’s pretense that his policies will bring about an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement is transparent window-dressing for a policy of escalating militarism against Tehran.
Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia intensifies tensions with Europe
By Peter Schwarz, 23 May 2017
The European media has accused Trump of further inflaming the conflict between Sunnis and Shiites with his moves to forge a closer alliance with Saudi Arabia targeted against Iran.
Former Trump national security adviser invokes Fifth Amendment
By Patrick Martin, 23 May 2017
Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn said he would not comply with a subpoena for documents by the Senate Intelligence Committee, citing his right not to incriminate himself.
Notre Dame graduates walk out to protest Vice President Pence’s graduation speech
By Shelley Connor, 23 May 2017
The protest centered on the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policies as well as anti-gay marriage measures enacted by Pence as governor of Indiana.
Trump calls for $1.7 trillion in social cuts
By Kate Randall, 23 May 2017
The budget proposal marks a new stage in the bipartisan assault on what remains of programs to fight poverty and hunger and provide health care for millions of workers.
Trump’s speech in Riyadh signals US escalation against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 22 May 2017
Riddled with hypocrisy, clichés and absurdities, Trump’s speech, before an assembly of monarchs and despots in Saudi Arabia, spelled out an agenda of escalating US militarism.
Washington Post and New York Times urge pullback on calls for Trump impeachment
By Patrick Martin, 22 May 2017
The two newspapers have served as the main mouthpieces for opposition to Trump within the military-intelligence apparatus.
New report: Current Trump official a “person of interest” in FBI probe of White House-Russia ties
By Barry Grey, 20 May 2017
The Washington Post reported Friday that the FBI-special counsel investigation of Trump-Russia ties is targeting current as well as past Trump aides.
Three dead in US immigration custody in one week, two from suicide
By Genevieve Leigh, 20 May 2017
Eight people have died in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement since October, while the Trump administration arrested 41,000 immigrants in the first three months of 2017.
Trump lashes out at investigation of alleged Russia ties
By Patrick Martin, 19 May 2017
On Twitter, and at a press conference, the US president denounced the investigation conducted by his own Department of Justice as a “witch hunt.”
Trump administration education budget proposes $10.6 billion in cuts
By Shelley Connor, 19 May 2017
The budget would eliminate student loan forgiveness programs while simultaneously allocating millions of dollars to student debt collection and charter schools.
Democrats appeal to military in campaign against Trump
By Andre Damon, 19 May 2017
Amid the deepening factional struggle gripping Washington, sections of the political establishment are calling for the military to step in.
Justice Department appoints special counsel to investigate Trump-Russia claims
By Andre Damon, 18 May 2017
The appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller to investigate Trump’s alleged ties to Russia marks a new stage in the factional battle raging in Washington.
Trump White House in disarray amidst charges it sought to block FBI investigation into Flynn
By Patrick Martin, 17 May 2017
The New York Times report which broke the allegation is based on material supplied by high-ranking FBI officials.
Erdogan’s White House visit papers over US-Turkish tensions
By Bill Van Auken, 17 May 2017
While the Turkish leader publicly condemned the US arming of Syrian Kurdish fighters, there appeared no prospect that he would shift the Pentagon’s policy.
The working class must intervene with its own program in the political crisis in Washington
By Joseph Kishore, 17 May 2017
A conflict is unfolding across the United States of a very different character than the crisis gripping Washington—a conflict between the working class and the capitalist class.
International Socialist Organization lines up behind Democrats’ anti-Russian campaign against Trump
By Barry Grey, 17 May 2017
The ISO’s article on the firing of Comey articulates the interests of the social layers for which ISO speaks—wealthy, complacent and corrupt sections of the upper-middle class that are separated by an enormous class chasm from the working class.
Media claims Trump revealed classified information to Russian visitors
By Patrick Martin, 16 May 2017
The Washington Post report sparked a round of media claims that Trump was sharing “state secrets” with Moscow.
White supremacists hold rallies defending Confederate monuments in Virginia
By Tom Hall, 16 May 2017
Among the crowd Saturday was neo-Nazi Richard Spencer, the self-proclaimed “founder” of the alt-right movement, which has close ties to the Trump administration.
Trump establishes commission to attack the right to vote
By Matthew MacEgan, 16 May 2017
Trump signed an executive order May 11 to create the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, a bipartisan commission to investigate alleged voter fraud.
Yemenis dying of cholera as Trump meets with UAE ruler
By Bill Van Auken, 16 May 2017
The Trump administration is arming the UAE and Saudi Arabia to the teeth as the two regimes wage a savage war against the starving population of Yemen.
Trump’s firing of Comey: A breakdown of constitutional government
By Patrick Martin, 15 May 2017
Decades of social and political reaction, unending war and the artificial suppression of class conflict are coming to a head.
US education chief Betsy DeVos plots school privatization with venture capitalists
By Nancy Hanover, 15 May 2017
Addressing venture capitalists last week, DeVos made common cause with school privatizers looking to cash in on a “mind-boggling trillion dollar” education market.
The political and social roots of the Democratic Party’s anti-Russia hysteria
By Andre Damon, 13 May 2017
The crisis surrounding the firing of FBI Director James Comey has been seized on by the Democratic Party and much of the media to escalate their anti-Russian campaign.
Hundreds of US citizens arrested in joint immigration-police roundup
By Niles Niemuth, 13 May 2017
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents working with local law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 1,300 people since March.
Trump threatens Comey over leaked account of White House dinner
By Barry Grey, 13 May 2017
The obvious attempt to intimidate Comey has emboldened those claiming that Trump’s firing of the FBI director is an obstruction of justice.
Mounting contradictions as Trump, aides defend firing of FBI director
By Patrick Martin, 12 May 2017
The twists and turns in the White House accounts of why and how the decision was made to fire FBI Director James Comey are signs of deepening political crisis.
Washington’s political crisis over the Comey firing: A harbinger of revolutionary upheavals
By Joseph Kishore, 12 May 2017
The political crisis gripping the Trump administration has far-reaching consequences and implications for both the United States and the entire world.
US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos booed by students at Florida college
By Nick Barrickman, 12 May 2017
The decision to provide DeVos a platform at Bethune-Cookman University was widely criticized and protested against by students in the days leading up to the event.
Washington seeks greater crackdown on the Central American working class
By Andrea Lobo, 12 May 2017
The US secretary of Homeland Security outlined a Central America policy focusing on deterring migration and militarizing the region in preparation for social upheavals and war.
The Nation blames white workers for Trump's election
Once again on race and the 2016 elections
By Eric London, 12 May 2017
The Nation magazine claims to have definitively proven that Trump is president because white workers are racist.
After White House dismissal of FBI director
Republicans reject Democratic demands for special prosecutor
By Barry Grey, 11 May 2017
The Democratic Party seized on the firing of Comey to escalate its reactionary campaign for stepped-up aggression against Russia and Russian allies such as Syria and Iran.
Trump’s firing of Comey: A new stage in the crisis of class rule
By Patrick Martin, 11 May 2017
The working class must adopt a standpoint of complete opposition to both of the warring factions of the ruling elite.
Trump firing of FBI director touches off political storm
By Patrick Martin, 10 May 2017
Democrats condemned the firing of FBI Director James Comey and demanded the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate alleged ties between the 2016 Trump campaign and the Russian government.
Senate hearing revives Democratic campaign over alleged Trump-Russia connections
By Patrick Martin, 10 May 2017
Testimony by former acting Attorney General Sally Yates gave new details on the circumstances surrounding the firing of Trump’s first national security adviser, Gen. Michael Flynn.
Washington prepares to send up to 5,000 more troops into Afghanistan
By Bill Van Auken, 10 May 2017
The planned escalation of US imperialism’s longest war involves not only more “boots on the ground,” but also ceding control of the war to US military commanders.
Sister of Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner pitches investment-for-visa scheme in China
By Joseph Kishore, 10 May 2017
The White House has become a vehicle for Trump and his extended family to pursue their far-flung business interests, resulting in a government that shamelessly combines personal profit and state policy.
A new stage in the US health care counterrevolution
By Patrick Martin, 8 May 2017
The passage of the American Health Care Act by the House of Representatives sets the pace for devastating cuts in health care for working people, to fund a windfall for the financial oligarchy.
Republican health care bill targets millions with preexisting conditions
By Kate Randall, 6 May 2017
Shameless lies are being used to promote a thoroughly regressive bill that builds on Obama’s pro-corporate Affordable Care Act and expands its assault on health care.
Trump and Australian PM Turnbull stage mutual embrace in New York
By Mike Head, 6 May 2017
A ceremonial dinner to highlight the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea against Japan became a platform for vows to “fight together” in Asia and the Middle East.
House Republicans pass draconian health care legislation
Bill would end Medicaid as a guaranteed program based on need
By Kate Randall, 5 May 2017
The American Health Care Act is a reactionary bill that builds on the regressive, pro-corporate framework of the legislation popularly known as Obamacare.
US show of force intensifies pressure on North Korea and China
By Mike Head, 5 May 2017
Two military displays in two days have escalated the tensions on the Korean Peninsula produced by the Trump administration’s threats of military action.
Pentagon in talks with Baghdad on permanent US occupation of Iraq
By Bill Van Auken, 5 May 2017
The discussions are unfolding in the shadow of the US-backed siege of Mosul, which continues to inflict mass civilian casualties.
Senate hearing gives a glimpse of political warfare within the FBI
By Patrick Martin, 5 May 2017
The police agency was divided into rival factions, each using media leaks and political provocations in order to influence the 2016 presidential election.
Woman faces year in jail after laughing at US attorney general confirmation hearing
By Marcus Day, 5 May 2017
In an effort by the Trump administration to further criminalize and intimidate political opposition, a woman and two men each face up to a year in jail and $2,000 in fines for their protest.
The human cost of the US-Mexico border: More than 6,000 bodies found since 2000
By Eric London, 5 May 2017
The mass casualties along the US-Mexico border are the outcome of deliberate policies of the US government, both Democrat and Republican, going back at least two decades.
Trump on Jackson and the Civil War: Historical ignorance and the decline of the American presidency
By Tom Mackaman, 4 May 2017
In recent comments, the president said the Civil War was an avoidable mistake and that Andrew Jackson was angered by it—though Jackson had been dead for 16 years at the war’s outbreak.
US sends B-1 strategic bombers over South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 3 May 2017
The US military build-up has raised tensions on the Korean Peninsula to fever pitch, threatening to trigger a devastating conflict.
House Republicans scramble for votes to pass draconian health care bill
By Barry Grey and Kate Randall, 3 May 2017
The amended version of the Trump administration’s American Health Care Act would impose an even more savage attack on health care for millions of people than the original.
Washington budgets an extra $120 million for guarding the Trumps
By Bill Van Auken, 3 May 2017
The massive security bill, approved by both Democrats and Republicans, assures that the president can pursue his oligarchic lifestyle while demanding vast cuts from the population.
Trump suggests talks while preparing for war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 May 2017
Trump’s offer to meet Kim Jong-un is effectively an ultimatum: accept US terms for negotiations or confront the prospect of war.
Trump invites Philippine President Duterte to the White House
By Joseph Santolan, 2 May 2017
As part of the advanced preparations for war with North Korea, Trump has called the Philippine president with an invitation for a state visit to Washington.
Democrats agree to increase military and border spending while cutting food stamps
By Barry Grey, 2 May 2017
Republicans hailed the agreement as a down payment on Trump’s demands for a $54 billion increase in the Pentagon budget to be paid for with cuts in social programs.
Trump again warns North Korea against nuclear testing
By Peter Symonds, 1 May 2017
Washington is, in effect, blackmailing Beijing, warning that if China does not bring North Korea to heel, the US will do so through military means.
People’s Climate March protests Trump attacks on environment
By Patrick Martin, 1 May 2017
The march's agenda overlapped with that of the April 22 March for Science, but it was more closely tied to the Democratic Party and the trade unions.
US economic growth slumps to slowest pace in three years
By Barry Grey, 29 April 2017
Friday’s report underscores the disconnect between the rising fortunes of the corporate oligarchy and the continuing fall in living standards for broad sections of the population.
Trump’s FCC chairman issues plan to overturn 2015 “net neutrality” rules
By Kevin Reed, 29 April 2017
Net neutrality is the principle that the transmission of data over the Internet must be treated equally, without regard to content, purpose or originating source.
Trump prepares to gut Federal land protections
By Daniel de Vries, 28 April 2017
The executive order signed Wednesday orders a review of national monuments on behalf of energy and mining interests.
Trump steps up trade war over NAFTA
By Nick Beams, 28 April 2017
The Trump administration has signalled that it will take an aggressive economic nationalist stance in negotiations on NAFTA after making moves to withdraw altogether.
The Trump tax plan: More money for the oligarchs
By Barry Grey, 28 April 2017
With the people of America and the world facing ever worsening social conditions and the looming threat of world war, the top priority of the US political establishment is to hand over trillions more to the financial elite.
Trump tax cuts: A bonanza for corporations and the wealthy
By Patrick Martin, 27 April 2017
The proposal unveiled Wednesday would channel trillions of dollars into the pockets of the financial elite at the expense of social programs and working class living standards.
US tests missile in Pacific as it escalates threats to North Korea
By Mike Head, 26 April 2017
The provocatively-timed US test again underscores where the real risk of nuclear war resides—in Washington.
Behind funding deadline theatrics, Democrats back Trump’s war on immigrants, increased military spending
By Barry Grey, 26 April 2017
Charles Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, attacked the plan for a border wall while declaring that a combination of border policing and new technology, including drones, would be “a much more effective way to secure the border.”
More voices of the March for Science
By our reporters, 26 April 2017
Dozens of scientists, students, workers and other supporters of science spoke with Socialist Equality Party supporters during marches on April 22.
Trump summons the Senate to the White House
By Andre Damon, 26 April 2017
The entire US Senate will go to the White House today to be briefed by military officials on preparations for a possible military strike against North Korea.
US naval “armada” menaces North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 25 April 2017
The nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Michigan, is due to arrive in South Korea today where it will be joined by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its strike group.
US defense secretary makes crisis trip to Afghanistan
By Bill Van Auken, 25 April 2017
Mattis arrived in Kabul as his Afghan counterpart and other top military commanders were resigning over a disastrous Taliban attack that killed nearly 200 troops.
Voices of the March for Science
By our reporters, 25 April 2017
Dozens of scientists, students, workers and other supporters of science spoke with Socialist Equality Party supporters during marches on April 22.
Detroit father deported after 19 years in the US
By Tyler Van Dyke, 25 April 2017
Mario Hernandez-Delacruz was deported earlier this month and faces being barred from visiting his family in the United States for up to 20 years.
IMF meeting signals descent into global trade war
By Nick Beams, 24 April 2017
Pledges to “resist protectionism,” long included in statements issued by the world’s major global economic institutions, are now regarded as too controversial.
Hundreds of thousands march worldwide to defend science
By Patrick Martin, 24 April 2017
More than 600 marches and protests were held in support of the main demonstration in Washington, DC, which drew about 75,000 people.
Pence’s Asian tour reinforces US threats to North Korea
By Mike Head, 24 April 2017
Without any public consultation, the US and its allies are placing millions of people at risk of a devastating nuclear war.
Hawaii to modernize nuclear fallout shelters
By Niles Niemuth, 24 April 2017
As the Trump administration threatens to strike nuclear-armed North Korea, Hawaii is requesting the Pentagon's assistance in updating nuclear fallout shelters and disaster plans.
US prepares military response to world-historic famine in sub-Saharan Africa, Arabian Peninsula
By Thomas Gaist, 24 April 2017
The American military is “war-gaming procedures to work in a famine-type environment,” according to AFRICOM commander General Thomas Waldhauser.
Homeland Security chief defends deportation of DREAMer immigrant
By Shelley Connor, 22 April 2017
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kelly defended the deportation of Juan Manuel Montes, a Mexican native expelled from the US in February despite being actively enrolled in the DACA program.
Hundreds of thousands to participate in worldwide “March for Science”
By Bryan Dyne, 22 April 2017
Scientists, researchers, workers and youth are marching today in at least 130 countries encompassing six continents in the world’s largest pro-science demonstration to date.
Tense standoff continues on Korean peninsula
By Peter Symonds, 22 April 2017
The media is fueling tensions with speculation that North Korea could conduct a nuclear or missile test to mark its Military Foundation Day next Tuesday.
US defense secretary targets Syria with chemical weapons allegation
By Bill Van Auken, 22 April 2017
The charge against Damascus is aimed at providing a pretext for renewed US aggression.
Canadian government seeks to placate Trump following NAFTA comments
By Roger Jordan, 22 April 2017
Trump’s sharp criticism of Canada over its trading practices in a number of economic sectors prompted a conciliatory response from Ottawa.
US steps up campaign against Julian Assange
By Barry Grey, 22 April 2017
The World Socialist Web Site condemns the reported preparations of the US Justice Department to charge WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with espionage and issue an arrest warrant against him.
US government and media ratchet up threats to North Korea
By Mike Head, 21 April 2017
The Trump administration’s ultimatums are intensifying the risk that miscalculations could trigger a conflict that would endanger the lives of millions of people.
Unions collaborate with Trump to push trade war and militarism
By Jerry White, 21 April 2017
The anti-working class AFL-CIO is providing the deeply hated president with critical political support as he prepares for war and a massive assault on jobs and social programs.
Washington threatens war against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 21 April 2017
Secretary of State Tillerson made clear that Tehran’s compliance with the nuclear agreement would do nothing to prevent US military aggression.
US secretary of state issues war threat against Iran
By Bill Van Auken, 20 April 2017
The administration indicated it will review all sanctions lifted as part of the agreement, with an eye toward reimposing them on the phony pretext that Tehran is a “state sponsor” of terrorism.
First reported deportation of “DREAMer” immigrant protected under Obama-era program
By Barry Grey, 20 April 2017
The response of the Trump administration to the suit filed by Montes is indicative of its contempt for democratic rights and the savage character of its dragnet against immigrants.
Trump pushes reactionary “Buy American, Hire American” plan
By Jerry White, 19 April 2017
Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday restricting visas for skilled immigrant workers and mandating the use of domestic products in federal projects.
US continues dangerous brinkmanship with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 19 April 2017
By keeping the world guessing as to what he will do, Trump has added a great deal of uncertainty into an already precarious situation and heightened the danger of conflict.
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