September 21, 2026: President Donald Trump is intensifying his criticism of Democrats ahead of the November midterm elections while his administration prepares for a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The timing has created a notable overlap between domestic campaign rhetoric and high-level U.S.-China diplomacy.
Trump's comments about Democrats
The Associated Press reports that Trump has repeatedly described communism as a major threat to the United States and has labeled Democrats as communists during the 2026 midterm campaign. Trump and other Republicans have argued that Democratic candidates who identify with democratic-socialist ideas show that the party has moved too far to the left.
Those are political claims made by Trump and Republicans, rather than an established description of the Democratic Party as a whole. AP's reporting notes that the political landscape is more complicated, including differences among candidates and states.
Xi's visit creates a different diplomatic context
At the same time, Trump is preparing to host Xi, the leader of the People's Republic of China. China is governed by the Chinese Communist Party, making the timing notable because Trump is using anti-communist language in domestic politics while engaging directly with China's leadership on trade and international affairs.
Trump has publicly emphasized his relationship with Xi. AP reports that he has spoken positively about the Chinese president and has worked to prepare the White House for the visit, including a new helicopter landing area.
Government stakes in private companies
The AP report also examines a separate economic-policy issue: the administration's growing federal stakes in private companies, including Intel and Westinghouse. Some Republicans have criticized the approach as excessive government involvement in private enterprise, while the administration has defended deals of this kind as tools for economic and national-security goals.
Because the policies involve government ownership or investment in companies, they have become part of the broader political debate about the proper role of the federal government in the economy. The administration's supporters and critics describe that role differently.
Trump's earlier approach to Xi
Trump's relationship with Xi has changed over time. AP notes that Trump criticized then-President Barack Obama in 2015 for the way he planned to host Xi, but Trump later developed a more personal diplomatic relationship with the Chinese leader after entering the White House.
Trump also briefly raised allegations about Chinese interference in U.S. elections during a July address, according to AP. The reporting says he later downplayed the issue and shifted his public focus back toward domestic political opponents.
Why the timing matters
The overlap does not mean that domestic campaign rhetoric is part of the formal U.S.-China negotiations. The midterm campaign and the state visit are separate political and diplomatic tracks. They are, however, occurring during the same week and involve some of the same themes, including China, economic policy and the role of government.
What to watch this week
- The Trump-Xi meeting and any announcements on trade.
- Whether U.S.-China discussions include technology and national-security issues.
- How Trump's midterm messaging develops before the November election.
- How Republicans and Democrats respond to the administration's economic policies.
FAQ
Why is Trump talking about communism during the midterm campaign?
AP reports that Trump is using anti-communist rhetoric as part of his criticism of Democrats ahead of the November 2026 elections.
Why is Xi visiting Washington?
Xi is expected to meet Trump as the two governments continue discussions involving trade and other bilateral issues.
Are Trump's comments about Democrats part of U.S.-China negotiations?
No. The campaign rhetoric is a domestic political issue; the Trump-Xi meeting is a diplomatic engagement.
Has Trump always taken the same approach to Xi?
No. AP documents a shift from Trump's criticism of Obama's 2015 hosting plans to Trump's later emphasis on his own relationship with Xi.
Source: Associated Press, September 21, 2026.
