Is Donald Trump’s bid to brand Democrats as ‘radical’ communists working?

President Donald Trump dances during a campaign event for Senator Darline Graham Nordone, a Republican from South Carolina, not pictured, ahead of a Republican special primary runoff election at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, US, on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. South Carolina is holding a Republican special primary runoff election on August 25. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

After casting his vote in South Carolina, a man who introduced himself as Chestnut was unwilling to give his full name. “You don’t have a need to know,” the air force veteran declared. He was, however, happy to share his views.

“I’m a true American. I believe in the USA,” said the man, outside Christ the Servant Lutheran church in Conway. “And I don’t believe in communism or socialism.”