WPLL newsletter “Umitsubame” No.1505 August 24, 2025 English version

💁 This is the international edition of “Umitsubame” (The Petrel) — the political newsletter of the Workers Party for the Liberation of Labor (Japan). We aim to present a workers’ perspective on global affairs and call for international class solidarity.

✊ Overthrow the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito administration, which promotes debt-dependent fiscal expansion and increased military spending!
✊ Oppose all forms of discrimination, especially gender discrimination, ethnic discrimination, and wage discrimination!
✊ Let's advance our struggle under the banner of “abolishing exploitation” and “liberating labor”!

💠Summary

Contradictory Measures Against Rising Prices 
— Ineffectual Opposition Follows Suit

This article analyzes the policy positions of both the ruling and opposition parties regarding rising prices, which became a major issue in the July 2025 House of Councillors election, while also highlighting the overlooked role of the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy.

The current inflation situation is dire: the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has shown a year-on-year increase of 3.3% for seven consecutive months, with the price of rice having doubled. Wage increases have failed to keep pace, resulting in real wages declining for six consecutive months and driving the working class into worsening hardship.

In the election, the ruling party advocated cash handouts while the opposition emphasized tax cuts. The government’s proposed handouts included ¥40,000 for households exempt from resident tax and households with children, and ¥20,000 for others—a move criticized as a blatant election ploy. On the other hand, the opposition’s tax cut proposals, such as reducing the consumption tax, were attacked for lacking clarity on funding sources. In the end, both ruling and opposition parties were seen as promoting populist “handout” policies reliant on deficit-financed government bonds.

The article stresses that one crucial element largely omitted from discussions of inflation countermeasures is the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy. Since the start of Abenomics, the Bank’s unprecedented monetary easing has ballooned its holdings of government bonds to ¥583 trillion. While Western countries responded to inflation by sharply raising interest rates, the BOJ maintained its ultra-low interest rate policy. The resulting interest rate gap between Japan and the U.S. exacerbated the depreciation of the yen, which in turn fueled import-driven price hikes.

The article points out a dilemma: if the BOJ raises interest rates, it risks falling into technical insolvency, which would strain the government’s fiscal operations. But if it doesn’t raise rates, inflation will continue to worsen.

In conclusion, the article asserts that the bourgeoisie is attempting to prolong capitalism at the cost of workers’ livelihoods. It criticizes the so-called “virtuous cycle of wage and price increases” as a strategy to disarm class-based wage struggles. Ultimately, the article calls for the intensification of workers’ struggles to transform the capitalist system.


What Does “Japanese First” Really Mean?
— Xenophobic Ideology That Leads to “National Egoism”

This article critically examines the slogan “Japanese First” promoted by the Sanseito (Political Party of Sanseito), arguing that it fuels dangerous anti-foreigner sentiment.

Although Sanseito’s leader, Kamiya, publicly denies discrimination against foreigners, the party’s official platform is rife with contradictory policies. For example, it proposes limiting eligibility for social security benefits to “individuals who contribute to the national interest,” halting welfare payments to foreigners, and restricting access to the national health insurance system. The party further advocates barring foreigners from civil service positions and insists that even naturalized citizens must wait three generations before becoming eligible to hold public office.

The article condemns these proposals for misleadingly implying that problems in Japan’s social welfare system are caused by preferential treatment toward foreigners. In reality, the weakening of the welfare system stems from the inherent limits of capitalism, not from any supposed privileges granted to non-Japanese residents. The article counters such claims by citing facts: for instance, foreigners were not even allowed to enroll in the national pension scheme until 1982, and the “Technical Intern Training Program” has subjected foreign workers to systemic discrimination.

Furthermore, the article points out that not only Sanseito, but also the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Democratic Party for the People have fanned the flames of xenophobia. The LDP promotes a policy of “zero illegal foreigners,” while the Democratic Party for the People argues that “taxes paid by Japanese people should be used for Japanese people.” These stances foster a baseless perception that foreigners are abusing the system.

In conclusion, the article argues that the economic stagnation caused by capitalism is creating fertile ground for nationalist and ethnocentric egos to be stirred up by right-wing politicians. It asserts that workers have no borders and calls on all workers to oppose xenophobia and racial discrimination, instead advocating for international class solidarity across national lines.

U.S.–Russia Summit on Ukraine: Agreement to Annex Two Eastern Regions to Russia
Denounce the Arrogance of the Imperialist Powers!

This article discusses the summit held in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning a ceasefire in Ukraine. The two leaders announced their agreement on a “peace plan,” which includes recognizing two eastern Ukrainian regions as Russian territory.

The article criticizes this agreement for effectively legitimizing Russia’s occupation and argues that it amounts to the two great powers unilaterally deciding Ukraine’s fate. It points out that Trump pressured Ukrainian President Zelensky to accept the deal, despite the fact that there are no solid guarantees for Ukraine’s security.

On the other hand, Putin asserts that Ukraine should be united with Russia and that the current anti-Russian regime must be overthrown. The article contends that this “peace agreement” is not a genuine end to the war, but rather a means for Russia to recover militarily and economically, and ultimately signals the continuation of war.

In conclusion, the article argues that this summit has exposed the arrogance of imperialist powers. It calls on the workers of the world to unite in opposition to imperialism and reactionary states in order to achieve true global peace.

Trump Is Marching Toward Dictatorship

This article discusses the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of President Trump if he regains power, along with the social base that supports him.

Trump’s Authoritarian Behavior：
It is reported that Trump, dissatisfied with the employment statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unilaterally dismissed the bureau’s director. This act is analyzed as an attempt to manipulate employment figures in a way that would favor his approval ratings and present his economic policies as successful. Furthermore, Trump is said to be increasingly bypassing Congress and issuing a series of executive orders, highlighting his disregard for legislative authority.

His Support Base and the “Culture War”：
Trump’s support base is described as the “forgotten high school–educated white workers” living in the Midwest and Rust Belt, who harbor strong resentment toward liberal college-educated elites. These individuals reject diversity and aim to restore “values” based on Christian morality. This movement is fueling a “culture war” within the United States. Trump has proposed the abolition of the Department of Education and a review of museum exhibits, with the intention of purging liberals from Washington, the article criticizes.

Demonstrating Power and Consolidating Dictatorship：
In an effort to appeal to his supporters, Trump claims to have forced the elite to bear the costs of vocational training. He has also deployed National Guard troops in the capital, interpreted as a provocation toward the Democratic Party and a display of his own power. Moreover, Trump has reportedly constructed a large ballroom within the White House. Republican lawmakers have even gone so far as to introduce bills to rename subway stations and feature Trump’s image on the $100 bill. The article concludes that Trump’s dictatorship is steadily being strengthened.

💠Full Article

Contradictory Measures Against Rising Prices 
— Ineffectual Opposition Follows Suit

The ruling Liberal Democratic–Komeito coalition suffered a major defeat in the House of Councillors election on July 20, losing its majority even in the upper house. One of the key issues in the election was how to respond to rising prices. The ruling party advocated "cash handouts" while opposition parties called for "tax cuts," and the realization of these policies is now being debated. This article examines not only the economic measures proposed to address rising prices, but also the Bank of Japan's monetary policy — a topic largely absent from election debates.

◆ Price-Hike Countermeasures as an Election Issue

In June, the Consumer Price Index (excluding fresh food) rose by 3.3% year-on-year — exceeding 3% for the seventh consecutive month, remaining at a high level. Food prices (excluding fresh produce) rose by 8.2%, and rice, in particular, surged by 100.2%, doubling from the previous year. Real wages, adjusted for inflation, fell by 1.3% compared to the same month the previous year, marking the sixth consecutive month of decline. Wage increases have failed to keep up with inflation, and the working masses are suffering under worsening living conditions. During the election, responses to rising prices became a central issue, with the ruling parties advocating cash payments and the opposition proposing tax reductions.

The ruling parties proposed providing ¥40,000 to children and adults in tax-exempt households, and ¥20,000 to others. However, the Cabinet decision made on June 13 regarding the “Basic Policy for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform” (the so-called honebuto no hōshin) emphasized “wage increases over tax cuts.” The ruling coalition aimed to portray itself as “fiscally responsible,” contrasting with opposition parties that proposed tax cuts without clear funding sources.

Yet wage hikes are ultimately based on labor-management negotiations, and thus weak as direct government-led countermeasures against inflation. Possibly sensing this weakness, LDP heavyweight Ishiba added the ¥20,000 handout to the election platform just before the vote. This blatant election ploy backfired, drawing public criticism.

Each opposition party's tax-cut proposal differed, but most included consumption tax reductions, raising income thresholds for taxation and social insurance premiums, reducing those premiums, and cutting gasoline taxes. As for funding, the LDP pointed to increased tax revenues and non-tax income; the Constitutional Democrats proposed drawing from government funds; the Democratic Party for the People irresponsibly said the government should figure it out; the Communists called for higher taxes on large corporations and the wealthy — though this would require workers' struggle to implement; Reiwa Shinsengumi proposed issuing deficit-covering bonds — but there is no magic wand for funding, and such bonds would lead to future inflation and burden workers. Any "hidden funds" should instead be used to offset existing fiscal deficits. In the end, both ruling and opposition parties would rely on deficit bonds — both promoting “handout” policies.

On August 1, during an extraordinary Diet session, seven opposition parties jointly submitted a bill to abolish the provisional gasoline tax rate. A working-level negotiation among six ruling and opposition parties began toward this aim.

◆ The Forgotten Factor: Bank of Japan’s Monetary Policy

What has been forgotten in the debate over inflation countermeasures is the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy.

The second Abe administration, launched in late 2012, pursued economic growth under the banner of “escaping deflation.” The BOJ under Governor Kuroda, appointed in 2013, launched “unprecedented monetary easing,” declaring a 2% inflation target within two years through “quantitative and qualitative easing.” Yet even after nearly a decade, the 2% target remained elusive. In effect, the BOJ continued purchasing large amounts of government bonds, and by September 2024, the BOJ’s long-term government bond holdings had ballooned to ¥583 trillion.

Kuroda’s successor, Governor Ueda, appointed in June 2023, continued the easing policy, still pursuing the mission of achieving the “2% inflation stability target.” In March 2024, the BOJ declared that “the 2% inflation target was now within sight of sustainable and stable realization” (June 3). It lifted the negative interest rate, and raised policy interest rates by 0.25% in both July 2024 and January 2025, setting it at 0.5%.

In the U.S. and Europe, monetary easing during the COVID-19 crisis triggered inflation from 2022. Central banks responded by raising policy interest rates. In the U.S., interest rates rose from 0.25% in February 2022 to 5.5% by July 2023, before starting to decline from September 2024, currently standing at 4.5%. In contrast, the BOJ maintained ultra-low interest rates at 0.1% from January 2016 through March 2024, with a negative interest rate regime in place throughout.

Looking at the yen-dollar exchange rate over this period: in January 2022, ¥115 equaled $1. The yen has since weakened, hovering around ¥144–¥157 since August 2023, and by July 2025 sits at approximately ¥147 per dollar. The widening interest rate gap between Japan and the West has contributed to yen depreciation. This weaker yen has driven up the prices of imported goods, contributing to inflation.

Other contributing factors include the rising price of crude oil due to the war in Ukraine, rice price hikes due to small-scale farmer protection and production adjustments, and vegetable shortages caused by extreme heat. Among these, however, the BOJ’s easing policy — designed to achieve the 2% inflation target — has been a key factor driving inflation. While ruling and opposition parties tout various inflation countermeasures, none of them seriously address the BOJ’s low-interest easing policy as a root cause.

If the BOJ maintains low rates, inflation will continue. But if it raises rates, interest payments on the BOJ’s current account deposits (¥536 trillion as of September 2024) will rise, pushing the BOJ into technical insolvency. On the other hand, failing to raise rates to avoid this would leave inflation unchecked.

Furthermore, raising rates will increase the government’s debt servicing costs — interest and principal repayments — thereby squeezing out other expenditures like social security. This raises the risk of fiscal crisis. In short, the BOJ is unable to raise rates easily.

◆ The Need for Workers’ Struggle

Capitalism is in deadlock and its contradictions are deepening. The LDP and BOJ’s policies offer no fundamental solution. Their claim of a “virtuous cycle between wages and prices” — where labor-management cooperation raises wages, leading to price hikes and economic recovery — is flawed. Workers fight for wage increases not to stimulate the economy, but to defend their livelihoods. The “wages and prices virtuous cycle” narrative attempts to dismantle workers’ class-based wage struggles.

The bourgeoisie is trying to prolong the life of a failing capitalist society at the expense of workers (look at the growing ranks of harshly exploited, low-paid, precarious workers!). We must strengthen the struggle of workers to overthrow capitalism.


What Does “Japanese First” Really Mean? 
— How the Exclusionary Ideology of ‘Putting Japanese First’ Leads to National Egoism

◆ They Say They Don't Discriminate Against Foreigners, But…

On August 9, in Nagasaki, the 80th Anniversary Peace Memorial Ceremony for the atomic bombing was held. Afterwards, Sanseitō party leader Kamiya delivered a street speech in Fukuoka City.

"During the election campaign, there were some statements by candidates regarding foreigners that were not based on fact, and there were accusations that we were 'inciting anti-foreigner sentiment,'" he said. "However, we have consistently stated that we do not engage in discrimination, promote racism, or advocate war in any way."

But Kamiya’s speech conceals the truth. During the House of Councillors election campaign, Sanseitō stated in its platform that “foreigners will only be granted social security benefits if they are deemed to contribute to the national interest,” explicitly calling for the suspension of welfare and restrictions on access to health insurance. The party claimed these measures were intended to “prevent an unfair increase in the burden on Japanese citizens” (Tokyo Shimbun digital, July 18, 2025).

Examining Sanseitō’s broader claims reveals restrictions not only on social security but also on broader social participation and daily life. These include limiting employment of foreigners in public service or public institutions, prohibiting the imposition of foreign cultures or values, banning in principle the purchase of land by foreigners, and denying naturalized citizens the right to hold public office until three generations have passed (ibid.).

While Kamiya claims not to discriminate against foreigners, the party exaggerated the notion that foreigners are being unfairly privileged, called for the suspension or restriction of social security for foreigners, and proposed limiting foreign participation in public office — including denying such roles to naturalized citizens for three generations. They foster the illusion that Japan’s social security system is being undermined by foreign preferential treatment.

However, institutions such as the Constitution and welfare systems are bourgeois in nature and are simply showing signs of strain due to their intrinsic limits. The issue is not foreigner privilege. For instance, until 1982, foreigners could not even join the national pension system. Moreover, under the “technical intern” program, foreign workers have long faced limited job mobility and workplace discrimination.

Sanseitō knows this reality and yet spreads the falsehood that foreigners are privileged.

While the party refrains from openly declaring “foreigners should leave,” it not only opposes treating foreigners living and working in Japan equally with Japanese citizens, but also asserts that “naturalized former foreigners are not truly Japanese,” promoting a chauvinistic ideology of ethnic Japanese supremacy.

◆ Not Just Sanseitō — LDP and the Democratic Party for the People as Well

In this recent House of Councillors election, Sanseitō’s “Japanese First” rhetoric stoked the flames, and other parties jumped on the bandwagon, expressing similar views.

In response, the ruling LDP-Komeito government hastily set up an “Office for the Promotion of an Orderly Coexistence Society with Foreigners.” Furthermore, the LDP proclaimed “zero illegal foreigners,” and without offering any evidence, claimed that “foreigners are abusing systems such as taxes, insurance, and child allowances that Japanese citizens pay into diligently.”

The Democratic Party for the People likewise asserted, “Taxes paid by Japanese people should be used for Japanese people,” spreading the impression that foreigners are receiving excessive government benefits. Both the LDP and the Democratic Party for the People promoted the idea that foreigners are misusing the system or receiving preferential treatment — essentially no different from Sanseitō. In this way, even within the electoral arena, the number of openly xenophobic agitators is growing.

Capitalism, in its pursuit of profit (private gain), fosters individualism and selfishness. When economic stagnation and fiscal deadlock set in, right-wing politicians stir up nationalistic and ethnocentric egos. But workers of the world unite in class-based solidarity. For the working class, there are no national borders.

U.S.–Russia Summit on Ukraine: Agreement to Annex Two Eastern Regions to Russia
Denounce the Arrogance of the Imperialist Powers!

◆ Trump Accepts Putin’s Proposal Without Conditions

On August 16, U.S. and Russian leaders—Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin—held a summit in Alaska to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. Following the meeting, it was announced that both the U.S. and Russia had reached a “peace” agreement that included recognizing two eastern Ukrainian regions as Russian territory.

According to reports, Putin’s so-called “peace plan” entails the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, thereby annexing them into Russia. In exchange, the current front lines in the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions would be frozen, and Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea would be granted international recognition.

This plan effectively validates Russia’s existing occupation and its claims over these territories. Yet Trump, in a post-summit interview, boasted, “The meeting was a perfect 10 out of 10,” adding that “the best way to end this brutal war is not through a simple ceasefire agreement but through cooperation for peace.” He further stated that it would be “up to Zelensky” whether or not to accept the agreement.

Of course, as the party actually fighting against the Russian military invasion, it is only natural that Ukraine should decide. However, Trump is pressuring Zelensky to accept the deal, saying, “Russia is a very large nation.” In Trump’s view, the agreement is something Ukraine must accept, and by stating it’s “up to Zelensky,” he is simply attempting to shift the blame should things go wrong. In reality, this means the fate of Ukraine is being decided by the great powers—the U.S. and Russia—without Ukrainian autonomy.

Ukraine has long sought security guarantees from the U.S., but it never entrusted the U.S. with the authority to cede Ukrainian territory to Russia in the name of “peace.” European supporters of Ukraine have also demanded “security guarantees” from the U.S., but have firmly rejected any notion of territorial concessions. Their roadmap for ending the war has always begun with an immediate ceasefire, followed by negotiations over territory and troop withdrawals.

Nevertheless, Trump posted on social media that “the best path to ending the terrible war between Russia and Ukraine is not merely a ceasefire agreement but an immediate move toward a comprehensive peace deal.” This aligns with Russia’s desire for a broad settlement including territorial matters, not the previously sought immediate ceasefire.

Trump also claimed that as part of the summit agreement, Russia accepted providing “security guarantees” for Ukraine. This supposed “security” resembles NATO’s collective defense principle under Article 5, which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, justifying military response. Trump stated that the U.S. would also participate in such a framework.

◆ No Reliable Guarantees for a Future “Peace”

However, can such a promise truly be trusted as a “security guarantee” for Ukraine? Russia merely stated agreement, but there is no concrete mechanism in place to ensure Ukraine’s protection. Nor is there any clarity on whether the U.S. would actually defend Ukraine from future Russian aggression.

Trump has long criticized the Biden administration for burdening American citizens with the costs of military aid to Ukraine. As president, Trump halted military assistance to Ukraine and treated the conflict as a European issue, minimizing U.S. involvement. Such attitudes from Trump have emboldened Putin’s imperialist and great-power chauvinism. If Trump truly desired peace, he should have condemned Putin’s military aggression against Ukraine. Yet instead, he forced through a “peace” deal over Ukraine’s head in collusion with Russia—an agreement that cannot be trusted.

What about Putin’s Russia? During the summit, Putin reportedly repeated his stance: “For a lasting resolution, all root causes must be addressed. Russia’s concerns must be considered.”

By “all root causes,” Putin means that Russia and Ukraine should be one. He sees Ukraine’s unilateral independence, pursuit of EU and NATO membership, and growing divergence from Russia as threats. He labels the Zelensky administration a fascist, anti-Russian regime, and argues that peace requires its overthrow.

Even if Russia gains the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk and retains its occupied territories in southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, future “peace” is far from guaranteed. Putin’s ultimate goal is the annexation of all Ukrainian territory under the belief that Ukraine should be part of Russia. As long as Ukraine exists as an independent state with different interests, the threat of military invasion from Russia will not disappear.

To Putin, a “peace agreement” is not the end of war, but preparation for its continuation. The war, which has lasted more than three and a half years, has inflicted enormous military and economic damage. During any ceasefire, Russia is likely to focus on rebuilding its military and economy.

After the Trump–Putin meeting, another meeting took place on August 18 involving Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders. It was said that the final decisions regarding Ukrainian territory and security would be deferred to a future trilateral summit between Zelensky, Putin, and Trump, and possibly expanded to a four-way summit including European heads of state. What will happen next remains uncertain.

◆ Advancing the Unified Struggle of Workers Worldwide Against Imperialism

This “peace agreement” between Trump and Putin, made over Ukraine’s head, starkly exposes the tyranny of imperialist great powers. Today’s world is entering a renewed era of geopolitical division and nationalist conflict driven by force, with examples such as Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. under Trump attacking Iranian nuclear facilities and threatening smaller countries like Panama, Israel’s genocide of Palestinians, and China’s military expansion in East Asian waters.

In such times, to abolish war and oppression and achieve international peace, it is essential to oppose and ultimately dismantle imperialist and reactionary states. This demands the united struggle of workers around the world—and the development of that struggle must be resolutely pursued.

Trump Is Marching Toward Dictatorship

◆ Trump Fires Bureau Chief Over “Low Numbers”

On August 1st, President Trump unilaterally ordered the dismissal of the Director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accusing him of politically manipulating the employment data by downward revision. He was infuriated that the number of employed persons for May, June, and July turned out to be 258,000 fewer than initially reported.

The revisions were necessary due to the effects of immigration restrictions and tariff policies. Moreover, the dismissal of 51,000 government employees as of July 14th (with a goal of reducing 300,000 within the year) under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has contributed to the understaffing of the Department of Labor. Trump posted on social media—without any basis—that the BLS director was “rigging the data to help elect Harris before the presidential election,” spreading demagoguery about “political manipulation” and “falsification.” He then appointed a new director from the Heritage Foundation, a MAGA-aligned think tank responsible for drafting the “Project 2025” policy blueprint for the Trump administration.

Trump’s exercise of naked power stems from the fact that “non-farm payrolls” are one of the most important indicators of the U.S. economy’s strength. These figures influence economic policy decisions, approval ratings, stock prices, exchange rates, and interest rate policies. If employment numbers are strong, it signals economic growth—boosting the dollar, stocks, and the perception that Trump’s policies are working. But if the numbers fall short, it can trigger fears of a downturn, leading to market decline and falling approval ratings. While Trump wants to see lower interest rates, he still wants to take credit for any economic success.

Despite enacting “Trump tariffs,” he continues to insist the economy is growing and inflation remains stable. A revision that slashes 258,000 jobs directly undermines this narrative and stokes public anxiety over his trade policy. In fact, a JETRO report from the 15th shows public disapproval of the tariff policy has risen to 61%, with 68% support among Republicans but 89% opposition among Democrats.

Trump’s aggressive demands on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell—personally visiting the Fed to demand rate cuts and Powell’s resignation—reveal his fear that delayed rate cuts could trigger a recession. Yet even if he blames “Too Late Jerome,” Trump knows he wouldn’t emerge unscathed.

◆ Washington Under the MAGA Spell

A major difference between Trump 2.0 and Trump 1.0 is his increasing disregard for legal judgments and the legislative process—favoring unilateral executive orders. Trump's personal rule, centered around his five closest advisors, now dominates the White House, the very heart of the U.S. government.

This authoritarian streak can be seen across a broad agenda:

 • Slashing aid to elite private universities like Harvard
 • Banning foreign students
 • Regulations under the banner of anti-Semitism
 • Mass deportations
 • Abolition of the Department of Education
 • Rejection of diversity
 • Review of museum exhibitions
 • Establishment of a “Faith Office”
 • Deployment of 800 National Guard troops to Washington

These policies cater to the MAGA movement's core: the “forgotten white working class with only high school diplomas” in the Midwest and Rust Belt—many of whom are evangelical Christians and ardent Trump supporters. They view liberal, college-educated elites with deep resentment, deriding them as “WOKE.”

A “culture war” is now raging in the U.S. between this conservative, patriarchal, white Christian “value system” and the liberal values of the elite establishment. On the 13th, it was reported that the $3 billion in subsidies to Harvard would be withdrawn unless the university pays $500 million (approx. ¥73 billion) toward national vocational training programs—a “settlement” likely to be spun by Trump as a victory for the working class.

These programs target unemployed individuals—many of whom are likely unskilled high school graduates. Back in the 2016 election, Trump proudly declared, “I love the poorly educated.” Now, in Trump 2.0, he is moving to dismantle the Department of Education, which exists to ensure access to education for the poor, disabled, racial minorities, and LGBTQ+ people. Shutting it down will worsen educational inequality and perpetuate income disparity, essentially manufacturing the very electorate he so treasures.

On August 14, Trump sent a letter to the Smithsonian museums in Washington demanding they align with his directive to “eliminate divisive or partisan narratives and restore cultural confidence” (Asahi Shimbun). He has applied similar pressure to eight other institutions—including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of the American Indian. This is the same tactic he has used against liberal private universities promoting diversity. On May 30, Trump fired the head of the National Portrait Gallery, calling them “highly partisan.” He is now purging liberal voices calling for diversity, equity, and inclusion from Washington and replacing them with MAGA ideology.

Trump has already deployed 800 National Guard troops to Washington and ordered 400 more from West Virginia. They will soon be armed and stationed in the capital. This is a blatant show of force meant to intimidate the Democratic stronghold of Washington, D.C., asserting his ability to wield power and coercion at will.

◆ The Arrogance of Trump Knows No Bounds

Trump, in a further display of vanity, plans to spend $200 million building a “ballroom” on the White House grounds, capable of hosting 650 people. This would be the grand stage for entertaining world leaders and receiving personal “vassals.”

Republican lawmakers loyal to him have proposed laws to rename the Washington subway the “Trump Train,” replace the $100 bill portrait with Trump’s image, designate his birthday as a national holiday, and even add his face to Mount Rushmore.

Most outrageous of all are his nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize—from countries like Israel and Cambodia.

Whatever headline he makes next, one thing is clear: Trump’s march toward dictatorship in the United States is steadily advancing. 

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the Workers Party 
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