House approves resolution on socialism ahead of Trump-Mamdani meeting
The House of Representatives has passed a resolution condemning the ‘horrors of socialism’ by a vote of 285-98. This significant political move occurred just hours before President Donald Trump is set to meet with Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York and a leading democratic socialist.
Bipartisan support for this resolution, with 86 Democrats joining 199 Republicans, marks a rare moment of alignment on a contentious issue. Speaker Mike Johnson and House GOP leaders have framed Mamdani’s election as a radical development within the Democratic Party, positioning him as a central figure in their upcoming attacks on Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This designation underscores the growing political tensions between the two major parties, particularly in their ideological battles.
Democrats on Capitol Hill have largely dismissed the GOP’s criticisms of Mamdani, with party leaders condemning the resolution as a selective list of despotic leaders and the harms of totalitarian regimes. They argue that the resolution’s language is misleading and does not accurately represent the complexities of socialism. However, the party has not officially recommended a no vote, indicating internal divisions. This is particularly evident among moderate Democrats, especially from New York, who are uneasy with Mamdani’s rise within their party.
The debate over the resolution was temporarily halted when Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) made a verbal attack on Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), accusing her of being a ‘friend’ of Fidel Castro despite her travel to the country and witnessing the abuses of his regime. Waters requested that Salazar’s remarks be taken down, but Salazar instead withdrew her statements, allowing the debate to continue. This incident further illustrates the contentious nature of the political discourse surrounding socialism and its implications for the Democratic Party’s internal dynamics.
The resolution’s passage comes ahead of Trump’s meeting with Mamdani, emphasizing the growing political tensions between the two leaders. The GOP’s opposition to socialism and the Democratic Party’s internal divisions over Mamdani’s rise underscore the broader ideological battle shaping American politics. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the debate over socialism and its role in governance is likely to remain a focal point for both parties, influencing their strategies and platforms.