Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized progressive candidates who recently won their primary elections, characterizing them as "animals" and "godless communists" who represent a significant threat to the United States. Speaking Friday at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s 2026 Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., Trump targeted candidates such as Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Avila Chevalier, who secured victories in their New York primaries.
Trump asserted that these progressives are not social democrats but "hardcore godless communists" whose ideology includes "assassinations of those who oppose" them. He warned that their continued rise would lead to Americans "start[ing] to live in squalor" and claimed they aim to destroy all religions and close churches. He also drew a parallel between their alleged actions and recent U.S. airstrikes against ISIS leaders in Nigeria.
"This is the most serious threat to our country since its existence, in my opinion," Trump stated, suggesting that many are swayed by these candidates because they "don't have the sense to see what's happening."
Lander, Valdez, and Chevalier have each voiced criticism of Israel's actions in Palestine, leading to accusations of antisemitism. Lander is Jewish, Chevalier is Muslim, and Valdez has kept her religious beliefs private. The progressive wins have drawn criticism not only from Republicans but also from some Democrats. Political commentator Bill Maher recently expressed to Vice President JD Vance that he might reconsider voting for the Democratic party due to the direction of some of its candidates.