U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition, has issued a strong rebuke of socialists within the Democratic Party, urging them to form their own political entity and accusing them of attempting to "hijack" the party. Gottheimer asserted that the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is not aligned with Democratic values and seeks to use the party as a "vessel" for its platform.
"I don’t think DSA members are Democrats. They’re socialists, right? And I’m all for them having their own party if they want one, but if they’re trying to take over our party, that’s unacceptable to me," Gottheimer said in an interview on Fox News. He characterized the DSA's platform as "anti-American," advocating for open borders, opposing law enforcement, and promoting ideologies such as the Communist Manifesto and the ideas of Leon Trotsky.
Gottheimer highlighted the disparity in membership, noting that there are 45 million registered Democrats compared to approximately 150,000 official DSA members. He stated, "They’re not welcome in the Democratic Party."
Gottheimer's comments come amidst internal debates within the Democratic Party regarding its ideological direction. Some figures, like Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), have called for reform, suggesting the party has allowed wealth to accumulate on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley at the expense of working-class Americans. However, Gottheimer pushed back against this, framing the DSA's efforts as insurgencies from fringe coalitions seeking to impose incompatible ideas.
He also referenced public comments from Democratic figures like James Carville, who has stated he would disown the party if streamer Hasan Piker were to become a leader. Gottheimer echoed this sentiment regarding Piker, calling him an "ultimate grifter" who has made anti-American statements, such as blaming the U.S. for 9/11, and emphasized that such individuals are not welcome in the Democratic Party.
Gottheimer's district, which spans liberal suburbs of New York City and more conservative, Trump-leaning areas, makes him a notable voice in representing a politically diverse constituency within the Democratic Party.