The national co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has ignited a political firestorm after proudly confirming that her organization advocates for abolishing the U.S. Senate, eliminating national borders, and phasing out prisons, among other transformative policy goals. Megan Romer, in an interview with Fox News’ Shannon Bream, responded with a series of affirmative answers when asked about the DSA’s platform, sparking immediate condemnation from prominent Republicans and even some Democrats.
During the exchange, Bream asked whether the DSA supports abolishing the Senate. « True, » Romer replied. She further affirmed that the organization seeks to replace the presidency and the Supreme Court, abolish the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, eventually eliminate national borders while granting amnesty to undocumented immigrants, defund the Pentagon, and shift most large corporations to public ownership. Romer clarified that some of these proposals, such as abolishing borders and prisons, are part of the DSA’s long-term vision rather than immediate demands.
The comments drew swift reactions from conservative figures. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas wrote on social media: « These people are insane. » House Speaker Mike Johnson posted a lengthy condemnation, stating: « Read their platform: Abolish the Senate, the Presidency, the Supreme Court and immigration enforcement. Open the border wide. Grant mass amnesty. Defund the Pentagon. The barbarians are inside the gate—and Democrats are WELCOMING them in! Communism is no longer a far-fetched threat. It is here on our SHORES! »
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana warned that the DSA’s influence is expanding beyond coastal states. « The DSA isn’t just gaining influence in New York or California, » he wrote. « Bernie Sanders- and Mamdani-backed candidates are winning races across the country. Watch this clip closely. These ideas could be coming to your community sooner than you think. » Representative Burgess Owens of Utah remarked: « Love that today’s Marxist[s] are so ‘in your face’ honest. This proves the ole saying… ignorance is Bliss. »
In Wisconsin, Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany attempted to link the DSA’s positions to Democratic candidate Francesca Hong, saying she shares similar views on abolishing police and prisons. However, Hong’s campaign quickly pushed back. Spokesperson Allison Geyer told Fox News Digital: « Tom Tiffany is once again telling lies and inventing quotes, because he can’t run on his record. Rep. Hong has never called for abolishing the U.S. Senate. » Geyer added that Hong has spoken about prison abolition as an aspirational goal but does not currently pursue that policy and has not endorsed eliminating borders. Geyer noted that the DSA is a membership organization, not a political party, and that Hong does not agree with everything in its national program.
The Virginia Republican Party demanded that all Democrats explicitly denounce the DSA’s policies. « This is what Virginia Democrats think belongs under their ‘big tent, » they wrote. « Every Democrat should be asked to explicitly denounce these insane anti-American positions & the DSA. If they refuse to do so, we know where they stand. » Representative Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee described the DSA as « a complete inversion of what America stands for » and called for defending the nation’s core values.
Even some Democrats distanced themselves from Romer’s remarks. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman criticized the statements on social media, although his exact words were cut off in the original report. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party about the influence of progressive and socialist factions, as Republicans seek to tie mainstream Democrats to the DSA’s more radical proposals.
The DSA itself has not issued an official response to the backlash. Romer’s interview has become a rallying point for conservative commentators and candidates who argue that socialist ideas are gaining traction ahead of the next election cycle.