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St. Paul Protests Reveal Growing Alliance Between Mainstream Democrats and Communist Groups
Communist and socialist activists participating in nationwide “No Kings” protests have escalated their campaign with calls for a May 1 economic strike, receiving support from key Democratic organizers. The protests, which stretched from Times Square to Minnesota’s state capital, featured open distribution of communist literature and displays of flags from socialist governments.
By Sunday, Iran’s state media outlet Press TV had already capitalized on the demonstrations, framing them as evidence that “regime change begins at home” in the United States.
Approximately 500 organizations with a combined annual revenue of about $3 billion sponsored the demonstrations. This network bridges traditional Democratic advocacy groups like Indivisible, MoveOn, and the American Federation of Teachers with openly socialist and communist organizations including the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and local chapters of the Communist Party USA.
At the St. Paul rally, Kevin Dwire, a U.S. Senate candidate from the Socialist Workers Party, sold copies of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’ “Communist Manifesto.” Nearby, flags representing Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization flew prominently. Activists distributed various socialist publications, including a manifesto titled “Socialist Reconstruction: A Better Future for the United States.”
The call for a nationwide strike on May 1 – International Workers’ Day or May Day, a holiday with deep roots in communist and socialist movements – gained momentum throughout the protests. In Times Square, members of the Revolutionary Communists of America chanted, “There is only one solution – communist revolution,” while waving flags bearing the hammer and sickle symbol.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the protest’s key organizers, publicly endorsed this call for economic disruption. “On May 1, on May Day, we are saying, ‘No business as usual.’ No work, no school, no shopping. We’re going to show up and say, ‘We’re putting workers over billionaires and kings,'” Levin told the crowd.
The protests highlight the growing influence of far-left organizations within networks traditionally associated with mainstream Democratic politics. Indivisible Project, often marketed simply as “Indivisible,” has received $5 million in recent years from billionaire George Soros’ Open Society foundation.
Many of the more overtly communist groups marching alongside Democratic activists are connected to a global network funded by Neville Roy Singham, an American-born tech tycoon now based in Shanghai. After selling his tech company for approximately $800 million in 2017, Singham has provided substantial funding to organizations like the People’s Forum ($22.4 million), CodePink ($1.3 million), and BreakThrough BT Media Inc. ($1.1 million).
This network promotes narratives portraying the United States as “fascist” and “hyper-imperialist” while defending the authoritarian governments of China, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran – a theme that echoed throughout the protests as demonstrators warned of rising “fascism” in America.
Following the protests, the activist networks celebrated online. CodePink shared video from Los Angeles showing its banner amid chants of “Hey, hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go.” BreakThrough News distributed footage from multiple cities, describing the events as “massive demonstrations.” The ANSWER Coalition circulated video of Indivisible, CodePink, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation marching together in Chicago.
Some leaders connected to these groups, including CodePink co-founders Jodie Evans and Medea Benjamin, have participated in delegations to countries often at odds with U.S. foreign policy, including Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and China. Evans married Singham in 2017, around the time he began funding this network in the United States.
Interestingly, even among socialist activists, there were divisions regarding international allegiances. Dwire, while selling Marxist literature, dismissed China’s political system, saying, “China socialism is capitalism.” Similarly, a young activist from the Revolutionary Communists of America distanced himself from China’s government while embracing communist ideology.
As the St. Paul rally concluded and crews dismantled equipment, American flags could be seen discarded in the grass beside heaps of garbage – a symbolic end to a day that revealed the complex and evolving alliance between traditional Democratic activism and more radical left-wing movements.
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9 Comments
The potential alliance between mainstream Democrats and communist/socialist groups is certainly concerning. However, we should be cautious about making sweeping generalizations. It’s important to examine the specific goals, tactics, and funding sources of each organization involved before drawing conclusions.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific demands and goals of this ‘No Kings’ movement. While I support the right to peaceful protest, the reported involvement of extremist groups is troubling. I hope the media provides objective, fact-based coverage to help the public understand what’s really driving these events.
Yes, the details and true motivations behind this movement are crucial. Broad claims about opposing ‘kings’ seem vague and could be a cover for a more radical agenda. Responsible journalism is needed to shed light on the movement’s true nature and potential impacts.
These protests seem to be a concerning mix of mainstream Democrats and more extremist communist/socialist groups. I worry this could lead to unrest and undermine democratic processes. It’s important to keep political discourse civil and focused on substantive issues, not radical ideologies.
I agree, a broad alliance between Democrats and communists is very worrying. We need to be vigilant about protecting core democratic values and institutions from extremist influence, no matter the political affiliation.
Promoting communist ideologies and calling for economic strikes is a very concerning development. This seems like a radical escalation beyond typical political advocacy. I hope these events remain peaceful and do not disrupt vital economic and government functions.
Agreed, open displays of communist symbols and literature are a worrying sign. Strikes and disruptions could have serious consequences for workers, businesses, and the broader economy. Authorities need to closely monitor this situation.
The reported involvement of organizations with millions in funding is quite alarming. Are these protests really grassroots, or is there a concerted effort by wealthy backers to stir up social unrest? I hope the media and authorities closely examine the funding sources behind these events.
Good point. $3 billion in combined annual revenue for the organizing groups is a huge amount. I share your concern that this may not be a genuine, spontaneous protest movement but rather an orchestrated political campaign with significant financial backing.