President Donald Trump has urged Americans to protect the nation’s founding values, warning of what he described as a growing communist threat from progressive political movements.
Speaking at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota on the eve of U.S. Independence Day, Trump called on citizens to uphold the ideals of the country’s founders and preserve what he described as America’s greatness.
He claimed communist ideology was gaining influence through progressive Democrats and some newcomers to the United States whose beliefs, he argued, are at odds with American values. Trump vowed that the United States would never become a communist country and said those promoting such ideologies would not be allowed to undermine the nation.
The president also linked his remarks to immigration, calling for the removal of immigrants he accused of embracing ideas contrary to the country’s way of life. He further urged Republicans to remain united ahead of the November midterm elections, saying the party’s success would depend on mobilising its supporters.
Trump’s remarks come as Republican leaders express concern over recent victories by progressive Democratic candidates, including several democratic socialists, in primary elections across New York, Colorado, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.
