Conservative think tank Independent Women released a report Thursday warning that the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has expanded its influence within American labor unions while maintaining alleged relationships with the Chinese Communist Party, raising what the group calls national security concerns.
The organization argues that DSA's "Rank-and-File Strategy" targets workers at major employers including Boeing, Starbucks, Amazon, and Apple, using union organizing as a vehicle to advance socialist causes and potentially expand Beijing's influence over American industry and politics, according to the report.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive groups and labor advocates dispute characterizations of DSA as a foreign-influenced organization. Critics note that DSA is a domestic political organization with publicly stated views on workers' rights and economic policy, and they argue that conflating legitimate union organizing with foreign influence undermines legitimate labor movements.
Labor unions in the United States operate under strict federal oversight through the National Labor Relations Board. Union membership has declined significantly over decades, from 34% of workers in 1945 to roughly 10% today, prompting concerns among worker advocates about declining collective bargaining power and stagnant wages for non-union workers.
Progressive economists argue that concerns about DSA influence over unions reflect broader anxieties about worker organizing rather than evidence of coordinated foreign interference. They note that unions have historically advocated for policies including the 40-hour work week, workplace safety standards, and health benefits that benefit millions of American workers regardless of political affiliation.
What the Right Is Saying
Independent Women argues that DSA's systematic approach to infiltrating labor unions represents a deliberate strategy to gain control of key industries. The organization points to Boeing's 2024 strike as an example, noting that DSA chapters near Seattle were present among striking workers and organized communication channels with union members during the work stoppage.
"The DSA has infiltrated labor unions to stir up discord, undermine American businesses, and eventually gain control of our critical industries," said Patrice Onwuka, Independent Women vice president for Economic Policy. "Even worse, the DSA is aligning in with the Chinese Communist Party to give them new influence over the American workforce, economy, and politics."
Meaghan Mobbs, director of the Center for American Safety and Security at Independent Women, told the Daily Wire that the alleged coordination between domestic political movements and foreign governments carries implications beyond domestic politics. "Our adversaries are extraordinarily skilled at identifying and exploiting fractures inside free societies," Mobbs said. "Americans deserve to understand how these networks operate, where foreign interests intersect with domestic movements, and what that means for our national security."
What the Numbers Show
Union membership in America has declined steadily since its peak in 1945 when over 34% of workers belonged to unions. Today, approximately 10% of American workers are union members, representing roughly a third of historical peak levels.
In 2026, surveys indicate that over 85% of American workers surveyed express interest in greater transparency regarding how union dues are spent. Unions typically deduct approximately 1-3% of base wages from members each month to fund operations.
The 2024 Boeing strike involved more than 33,000 employees after machinists rejected a contract offer containing a 25% raise, falling short of the union's demand for a 40% wage increase over three years. The strike lasted several weeks before a settlement was reached.
Democratic socialist candidates have achieved electoral success in congressional primaries across multiple states including New York, Michigan, Colorado, and Florida, potentially providing organized labor with political allies sympathetic to their policy priorities.
The Bottom Line
Independent Women's report highlights concerns about ideological organizing within American labor institutions and potential foreign connections. The allegations raise questions about transparency in union political activities and the extent of coordination between domestic political movements and foreign governments.
The decline in union membership has been a subject of bipartisan policy debate, with proposals ranging from protecting right-to-work laws to expanding collective bargaining rights. Any findings regarding foreign influence over domestic organizations would likely prompt scrutiny from congressional committees with oversight jurisdiction over both labor policy and national security.
Readers should note that this reporting is based primarily on claims from one conservative organization, Independent Women. The DSA has not issued a formal response to the specific allegations in this report as of publication time. Claims about CCP funding of DSA activities require independent verification through official channels.