Legal scholar and Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley has raised alarms regarding the resurgence of socialist sentiment within the United States. Citing recent polling, Turley argues that a significant portion of the American electorate, particularly within the Democratic Party, is increasingly attracted to collectivist ideologies.
The 65% Democratic Shift Toward Socialism
According to Jonathan Turley,new polling indicates that 43% of all Americans now hold a positive view of socialism. the trend is even more pronounced within the Democratic Party, where 65% of members express a positive outlook on the ideology. Turley describes this shift as a "stunning trend" for a nation that remains one of the most prosperous in the world.
Jonathan Turley suggests that socialism has returned as a "style," comparing its reappearance to fashion trends like low-rise jeans. He argues that these ideologies regain popularity among younger generations who lack a first-hand memory of the economic failures associated with socialist regimes in the past.
From Adam Smith’s 250th Anniversary to the DSA
The rise of these views coincides with the 250th anniversary of both the American Declaration of Independence and the publication of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations. As reported by Fox News, Turley contrasts Smith's view of capitalism as a liberating system of natural liberties with the modern narrative pushed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
The Democratic Socialists of America utilize slogans such as "Imagine the end of capitalism" to attract voters, promising a society where medicine, education, and transportation are treated as common utilities. Turley points to figures like Zohran Mamdani, who promote the "warmth of collectivism," as examples of how socialism is being repackaged for a modern audience.
The Jacobin Blueprint and the Push for a Unicameral System
In his upcoming book, scheduled for release by Simon & Schuster on February 3, 2026, Jonathan Turley compares the proposals of the Democratic Socialists of America to the Jacobin movement of the French Revolution. He notes that while the American Revolution led to a stable democracy, the Jacobin-led revolution devolved into the "blood-soaked Reign of Terror."
Turley claims the Democratic Socialists of America are the direct descendants of the Jacobins, specifically citing their desire to replace the presidency and the judiciary with democratically elected figures. He further asserts that the DSA advocates for a unicameral legislative system , mirroring the structure favored by the original Jacobins to consolidate power and attack the wealthy.
The Winter of Discontent and Mitterrand’s Failures
To illustrate the risks of socialist policy, Jonathan Turley cites the failed socialist government of Francois Mitterrand in France. He also references the United Kingdom's "winter of discontent" during the 1977-78 Labour government under Prime Minister James Callaghan, which he argues necessitated the privatization policies later enacted by Margaret Thatcher.
While modern critics like Prime Minister Andy Burnham condemn Margaret Thatcher for surrendering control of essential servcies, Turley argues that such critiques ignore the systemic collapse that preceded Thatcher's tenure. This historical framing serves as Turley's warning that the "government dole" can eventually lead to a form of servitude for the citizenry.
The 60% Coup Poll and the Missing Democratic Response
A particularly provocative point raised by Jonathan Turley is a poll suggesting that roughly 60% of Democrats viewed the idea of a military coup to remove President Donald Trump positively. This data point is used to argue that the current ideological shift is moving toward a rejection of moderating institutions.
However, the report leaves several critical questions unanswered. There is no direct response from the Democratic Socialists of America or the Democratic National Committee regarding these polling figures. Furthermore, the source does not specify the methodology of the polls cited, leaving it unclear whether these sentiments represent a fringe element or a broad party consensus.
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