Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) national co-chair Megan Romer confirmed on live television that the organization's platform includes proposals such as abolishing the Senate, eliminating prisons, and dismantling national borders. These statements, made during an interview on 'Fox News Sunday,' drew immediate and strong condemnation from prominent conservative figures.
When questioned by Fox News' Shannon Bream, Romer affirmed the DSA's stances on a range of issues, including abolishing the Senate, replacing the presidency and Supreme Court, eliminating the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, and shifting most large corporations to public ownership. She characterized some of these proposals, like abolishing borders and prisons, as part of the organization's long-term vision.
Following the interview, Republican leaders took to social media to voice their criticism. House Speaker Mike Johnson posted the exchange, stating, "Read their platform: Abolish the Senate, the Presidency, the Supreme Court and immigration enforcement. Open the border wide. Grant mass amnesty. Defund the Pentagon. The barbarians are inside the gate—and Democrats are WELCOMING them in! Communism is no longer a far-fetched threat. It is here on our SHORES! This isn’t just Common Sense vs. Crazy anymore. It’s Common Sense vs. COMMUNISM."
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas called the individuals advocating these positions "insane," while House Majority Leader Steve Scalise warned that these ideas could spread across the country, citing the influence of candidates backed by figures like Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani.
Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah commented on the perceived honesty of the DSA's positions, and Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany suggested that state representative Francesca Hong shared similar views, specifically questioning if she supported abolishing police, prisons, and the U.S. Senate. A spokesperson for Hong's campaign rejected Tiffany's claims, stating that Hong has never called for abolishing the U.S. Senate and that police and prison abolition are aspirational goals not part of her current platform. The spokesperson also clarified that Hong does not support replacing the presidency with the Supreme Court or eliminating national borders, and that eliminating national borders is not part of the official DSA platform. The campaign noted that Hong is not endorsed by DSA national and does not agree with every aspect of its national program.
Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman also reacted to Romer's comments on X, writing, "This isn’t a big tent—it’s anarchy. Why can’t Dems call out the DSA?"
Investment manager Bill Ackman criticized the DSA's agenda, questioning how anyone could vote for a Democratic Socialists member unless they were an anarchist. He also expressed disapproval of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's policies.
The DSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The organization's growing influence is noted, with some candidates backed by Mamdani having recently won primary races in New York.