The following report was given on behalf of the Young Communist League to the Feb. 2 meeting of the CPUSA National Committee.

The MAGA right is rapidly advancing its reactionary “America First” agenda. Trump and the MAGA-controlled Republican Party are implementing policies that dismantle democratic rights, gut social services, drive down working people’s living standards, and consolidate power for the ultra-rich. Key developments include:

• The creation of a Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by Elon Musk, designed to gut vital social programs like the Department of Education, Medicaid, and Medicare under the false pretense of eliminating “inefficiency.”
• The appointment of Russell Vought, a key architect of Project 2025, to the Office of Management and Budget, positioning him to fast-track tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and implement pro-corporate policies that deepen poverty and inequality.

There is growing awareness that MAGA’s agenda is more than conservative governance — it is a billionaire-backed, far-right power grab aimed at dismantling democracy, crushing the labor movement, and scapegoating oppressed communities to impose neofascist rule.

The fight against fascism and the struggle for peace

MAGA’s far-right project extends beyond efforts to dismantle democracy — they also seek to revitalize U.S. imperialism under the banner of “America First” foreign policy. Key developments on this front include:

• Escalating U.S.–Israeli coordination: Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu signals a renewed assault against Palestinians in Gaza, including unlocking dangerous weaponry, cutting humanitarian aid, and laying the groundwork for direct U.S. military intervention.
• Renewed aggression in Latin America: The appointment of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State signals plans to intensify sanctions and intervention, as does the relisting of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

The fight against MAGA fascism at home is inseparable from the struggle against U.S. imperialism abroad. The same billionaire-backed, far-right forces attacking labor and civil rights under the banner of “America First” are also pushing for endless war and military occupation under the same banner.

Building the YCL: Stronger chapters, stronger organization

As the struggles for peace and democracy become increasingly intertwined, the YCL must play a role in building unity amongst anti-fascist and anti-imperialist youth. To effectively confront the rising threats of MAGA fascism and U.S. imperialism, we need to expand our national presence and strengthen our organizing capacity.

Currently, The YCL lacks a strong national foundation and a critical mass of young Communist organizers. With only six active chapters, primarily concentrated in the Midwest and East Coast, there is an urgent need to grow our ranks, build new chapters, and develop the next generation of militant youth leaders who can take up the fight for peace, democracy, and socialism.

To address this, we are developing a Youth Toolkit to strengthen our organization and expand our reach. This will include:

• YCL chapter guidelines — Clear steps for how YCL chapters should organize themselves.
• A What we stand for pamphlet — Outlining the principles of the YCL and where we stand on key issues.
• A branding and style guide — Standardizing our messaging and outreach to build a stronger, more recognizable presence.
• Additional organizing resources to support new and existing chapters, compiled in an electronic folder.

YCL in action

The People’s March — January 18th

The YCL participated in the People’s March, initiated by the Women’s March, Movement for Black Lives, United We Dream, and other progressive organizations. We raised the slogan: “Our Freedom, Our Future! We’re Not Going Back!” and were even featured on NBC News for bringing a militant presence to the mobilization.

Our role in the mass movement is clear: to bring clarity, build militancy, and strengthen unity in the struggle to defend democracy and defeat fascism.

Rev. Al Sharpton’s MLK Day Sermon — Jan 20th

Reverend Al Sharpton delivered a historically grounded, struggle-oriented sermon marking MLK Day. He framed the current fight against Trump and the far right as part of a longer history of white nationalist reaction, from slavery to Jim Crow segregation to today’s MAGA movement.

Sharpton invoked the legacies of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Ella Baker, and Martin Luther King Jr., honoring them as fighters for freedom, justice, and equality who confronted the forces of white nationalism in their time. He made clear that Trumpism is not an aberration but a continuation of this reactionary legacy, and that the lessons of past struggles must guide us today.

Sharpton called for a revival of economic resistance, urging the use of boycotts against corporations that cave to right-wing pressure by rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, contributing to workplace resegregation. He also stressed the need to rebuild coalitions between the civil rights and labor movements, emphasizing that only through unity have we ever achieved victories over white supremacy.

National coordination, responding to the moment

To improve collaboration, we are holding monthly calls between YCL chapters and CPUSA National leadership. Given the rapidly shifting political landscape, this coordination is more important than ever. The far right is well-organized, disciplined, and moves as one — we must do the same.

Additionally, we are also planning to convene a national call for YCL chapters and young people within our orbit. This call will feature a panel of young Communist organizers discussing their efforts to build and participate in broad community coalitions against MAGA fascism, focusing on:

• Defending our freedom — blocking the MAGA right’s attacks on democracy, labor, and civil rights.
• Protecting our families and communities — resisting MAGA’s assaults on undocumented immigrants, trans youth, and other vulnerable populations.
• Choosing to fight for our future — engaging young people in long-term, year-round political struggle.

This is a critical moment that requires a clear, united response from young Communists. The YCL must rise to meet this challenge, expand our movement, and fight for a future grounded in peace, democracy, and socialism. We are dedicated to strengthening our organization, intensifying our organizing efforts, and building the unity necessary to defeat fascism and imperialism.

The time to act is now. We are not going back! We choose to fight!

Images: CPUSA and YCL members at the Jan. 18 People’s March in D.C. (CPUSA)

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