Conservative figures attack DSA co-chair over stated platform positions on Senate, prisons and borders

Democratic Socialists of America national co-chair Megan Romer faced intense backlash Sunday after confirming on Fox News that the organization’s platform includes dismantling the Senate, eliminating prisons and removing national borders. When host Shannon Bream asked directly whether the DSA advocates for abolishing the Senate, Romer responded affirmatively, triggering a wave of criticism from Republican officials and political figures.

Romer also acknowledged DSA positions calling for replacement of the presidency and Supreme Court, abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, eventual elimination of national borders with amnesty for undocumented immigrants, Pentagon defunding and phasing out prisons in favor of public ownership of major corporations. The DSA characterized some of these proposals, such as border abolition and prison elimination, as long-term organizational goals rather than immediate policy objectives.

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas posted that “These people are insane,” while House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a lengthy statement warning that the organization represents a communist threat to American institutions. Johnson emphasized that DSA-backed candidates are winning races nationwide, not merely in traditionally liberal strongholds.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise noted that candidates supported by the DSA and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are gaining electoral success across the country, raising concerns about the movement’s expanding influence at the local and national level.

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany connected the remarks to Francesca Hong, a Democratic primary candidate backed by DSA, stating her positions align with Romer’s statements. Hong’s campaign spokesperson rejected the characterization, stating that Hong has never called for Senate abolition and that prison and police reform are aspirational goals rather than current policy positions.

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania also criticized the DSA’s platform on social media, questioning why Democratic Party leaders have not more forcefully distanced themselves from such positions. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman similarly expressed alarm, calling the platform anarchist and criticizing Mayor Mamdani’s influence in New York City politics.

Socialist-backed campaigns have gained traction across multiple states this election cycle, with DSA-endorsed candidates in New York defeating established progressive lawmakers in primary contests. The organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the controversy surrounding Romer’s television appearance.