Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said he expects far-left contenders to lose in the coming midterm elections, arguing that voters will push back against what he called a growing “politics of envy.”
During an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Lawler aligned his remarks with President Donald Trump’s warning about the spread of far-left ideology in the United States, delivered during Trump’s Mount Rushmore speech.
“For some, the politics of envy and jealousy are rising. But I fundamentally believe in the goodness of America and the American people. And they will reject this soundly in November in the midterms,” Lawler said Saturday.
Trump addressed the crowd at Mount Rushmore on Friday, opening a weekend of events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. In his speech, he issued a pointed caution about the country’s direction:
“As we approach this magnificent anniversary, we see our American identity under a renewed attack. A generation after we fought and won the Cold War against the menace of communism, there is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land,” he said.
Trump said he would not permit the United States to move toward communism, describing it as the “greatest threat to our country.” He also said the American dream would endure beyond the nation’s 250-year milestone.
“After 250 years, American freedom still rings. The American dream still lives. And the American flag still flies more proudly than ever before,” he said.
Lawler pointed to a series of recent primary wins by Democratic socialist candidates around the country, including in New York, his home state. He contended that those victories, together with what he characterized as anti-American sentiment, are “desecrating” the Founding Fathers’ vision as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.
House Speaker Mike Johnson offered a similar warning after several far-left candidates won primaries in New York. He argued it is a “very serious time” for the nation and that communism is now “on our own shores.”
“The Marxists have nominated some of the most radical candidates to ever run for office, and they’re running for Congress,” Johnson said at a news conference. “The insurgent left is on the rise.”
Still, despite the concerns, Lawler believes political divides shouldn’t tear the country apart.
“As we move forward and embark on our next 250 years, this is the greatest country on the face of the Earth. And no matter our differences, no matter the politics of the moment, the fact is we should all be grateful for living in the United States of America.”
