House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., warned on Friday, July 19th, 2026, that the United States is engaged in a "battle" against Marxism and its related ideologies, including communism and socialism. Speaking at the Alliance Defending Freedom Summit in San Diego, Johnson expressed concern over the increasing traction of Marxism as Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates have won several high-profile primaries this midterm cycle.

Johnson framed the nation's 250th anniversary as a critical moment to resist what he described as growing socialist influence and to renew appreciation for America's founding principles. He referenced Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, emphasizing dedication to the proposition that the nation is "one nation under God," with a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."

"We are in a confrontation, in a battle against a very dark philosophy — Marxism, and its deviations, communism and socialism," Johnson said. He also criticized educational institutions, stating, "Because let's be honest, they've been indoctrinated in so many of these educational institutions. They see America through the wrong lenses."

Johnson called the current period a "teachable moment" and stressed the importance of clearly explaining these issues to future generations. He cited former President John Quincy Adams as a personal inspiration, adopting his words as a guiding mantra.

The summit also featured West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey, who recently won a Supreme Court case, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, conservative influencer Allie Beth Stuckey, and Admiral Brian Christine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Notable quotes from Johnson included warnings about the concentration of power leading to loss of freedom and tyranny, and an assertion that rights are self-evident and do not originate from the government.

Sources