Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Socialism's US Rise Driven by Trump Policies and Inequality
Some people in America are starting to like socialism, an idea where the government does more to take care of people, like giving everyone healthcare and making rich people pay more taxes.
For a long time, most Americans did not like this idea.
But now things are changing.
One reason is that some people are unhappy with President Trump and his policies.
Another reason is that the gap between rich and poor is growing, and many think that is unfair.
In a state called Michigan, a man named Abdul El-Sayed won a big vote to try to become a senator, and the President was not happy about it.
In New York, a man named Zohran Mamdani became the first Muslim mayor in the city's history.
Many younger Americans, mostly under 45, say they like socialism.
A poll found that one-third of people who support the Democratic Party say they are socialists, and nearly four in ten voters see socialism in a positive light.
Socialism is gaining ground in the US as a response to Donald Trump's policies and growing inequality.
Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, drawing criticism from President Trump.
Zohran Mamdani made history as New York's first Muslim mayor, a win celebrated by democratic socialists.
A CNN poll found one-third of Democratic-leaning adults now identify as democratic socialists.
A Gallup poll from last year found nearly four in ten U.S. voters hold a positive view of socialism.
- Who
- Left-leaning candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Zohran Mamdani, President Donald Trump, and U.S. voters increasingly open to socialism.
- What
- Socialism is rising in popularity across the United States.
- When
- Ahead of November's midterm polls, with a Gallup poll from last year showing growing support.
- Where
- The United States, including Michigan and New York.
- Why
- Donald Trump's policies generated a radical response, and growing inequality of wealth, income and opportunity fueled socialist ideas.
Socialism's Advocates
President Trump and His Supporters
Leftward shift in US politics
Socialism's Advocates
Democratic socialists are gaining support, with one-third of Democratic-leaning adults identifying as socialists and candidates like El-Sayed and Mamdani winning primaries and elections.
President Trump and His Supporters
President Trump has directed his ire at left-leaning candidate Abdul El-Sayed, opposing the leftward political shift.
- Rising ideology
- Socialism gaining ground in the US
- Michigan Senate primary
- Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
- Historic mayoral win
- Zohran Mamdani became New York's first Muslim mayor
- CNN poll
- One-third of Democratic-leaning adults identify as democratic socialists
- Socialist demographics
- Mostly under 45, less likely to have college degrees, lower annual earnings
- Views of Democratic Party
- 68% of democratic socialists view the Democratic Party favourably
- Gallup poll
- Nearly four in ten U.S. voters have a positive view of socialism
- Socialist platform
- Expanded state role, universal healthcare, taxing the rich