January 2026 saw some of the most significant developments in the recent history of the American class struggle. The ICE murder of Renee Good set off an explosive anti-ICE movement, culminating in a de facto political general strike. The subsequent murder of Alex Pretti threatened to spread the movement nationally, forcing Trump to back off, at least temporarily.

After decades, the American working class is instinctively adopting methods of mass collective action in a political struggle against the federal government. This movement gives an inspiring example to a new generation of class fighters across the United States about the need for organization, and the power of the movement of the masses.

This issue of The Communist contains front-line reports from our comrades in Minneapolis, as well as analysis of what the movement represents and how to effectively escalate it. It also covers topics such as the US imperialist aggression against Venezuela; the rise and limitations of China as a world power; the hell of for-profit healthcare; and a centerpage article about Trump’s new “no-rules” world order.

The Communist is different from any other publication you’ll find in the US today. Behind this newspaper, there’s a growing network of communist activity from coast to coast. It is a tool for organizing in the streets, at protests and strikes, for building communist cells in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and campuses.

The events of Minnesota are the opening bells to a new epoch in the American class struggle—an epoch of massive social upheavals, strikes, and revolutions.

If you’re committed to seeing the end of capitalism in your lifetime, if you’re part of a rapidly growing communist generation, this is your paper. If you're ready to take that step, join today to become a member of the RCA.