Summary of Joe Sims’ Keynote to the CPUSA National Committee (October 12, 2025)
In his keynote address, Joe Sims emphasized the growing resistance against the Trump regime, noting an increased public awareness of its potential fascist tendencies. Highlighting the NAACP’s refusal to invite Trump to their convention due to his attacks on democracy and civil rights, he presented the revival of the Committee for the Protection of the First Amendment, backed by Jane Fonda and numerous cultural figures, as a crucial response to government suppression.
Sims pointed out the alarming events in Chicago, where federal forces arrested civilians, illustrating the regime’s escalating authoritarianism. He noted that public support for Trump has declined significantly, particularly among young voters, with MAGA losing most elections in the past year. Consumers are also responding through boycotts, affecting major corporations like Tesla and Target.
Despite setbacks, Sims argued that Trump’s administration continues its aggressive approach, criminalizing dissent and pushing militarized control, while undermining labor rights and historical narratives through initiatives targeting diversity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
He underscored labor’s critical role in combating these developments, citing the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists’ efforts to unite labor against the Trump administration’s policies. He called for solidarity with anti-Trump initiatives and emphasized the importance of overcoming racism within the labor movement to achieve class unity.
Sims also condemned U.S. imperialism in Gaza, urging action against the genocide and the need to shift U.S. policy. He concluded with a call to secure public engagement in democratic movements, support for boycotts, and preparation for midterm elections, stressing that the struggle against fascism requires vigilance and organized efforts. Ultimately, he encouraged the audience to remain hopeful and committed to the movement, urging belief in collective progress despite challenges.
