President Donald Trump has repeatedly sounded alarms, asserting that the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is increasingly under the control of communists. This characterization has drawn criticism from Democrats who label it as McCarthyism. However, internal shifts within the DSA are becoming a point of discussion.
The DSA is described as a "matryoshka doll of subversion," with efforts to influence the Democratic Party and the infiltration of Marxists within the DSA itself. Recent reports suggest that Marxists have established a majority on the DSA's National Political Committee, its governing board.
This development marks a departure from the organization's original vision, which was largely shaped by founding figure Michael Harrington, a democratic socialist. Harrington, known for his 1962 book "The Other America" on poverty, was a proponent of democratic socialism and had experience with socialist organizations being influenced by Marxists-Leninists, a process known as "entryism."
Historically, the DSA's bylaws included a provision for expelling members "under the discipline of any self-defined democratic-centralist organization." This measure has reportedly been repealed. A faction within the DSA, the North Star caucus, formed to preserve Harrington's vision, while a group called the Red Star caucus, comprised of hard-left members, has expressed a desire for communists to join the DSA and work towards a "revolutionary horizon."
The orientation of the DSA has reportedly changed, with an animating spirit described as moving away from Harrington's ideals and toward figures like left-wing influencer Hasan Piker, who has expressed admiration for Chairman Mao and certain anti-Israel groups. This shift was further highlighted when the DSA refused to condemn Hamas after the October 7th attacks, and its New York City chapter promoted a pro-Hamas rally. In response, approximately two dozen long-time DSA members, some former leaders, resigned, stating a need to find "other organizational vehicles to advance an emancipatory, humane democratic socialism."
These internal politics are seen as significant because the DSA is described as no longer being a fringe group but a mainstream force that nominates Democratic candidates across the country. The article suggests that if Republican candidates were aligned with a group perceived to be influenced by fascists, it would be a major story, implying a double standard in how concerns about communism are addressed in legacy media compared to fascism.