Latino exile communities in the US are increasingly questioning if Vice President Kamala Harris is a communist, fueled by misleading claims that falsely portray her as a socialist or communist. According to Factchequeado, the largest Spanish-language fact-checking organization, these claims, amplified by right-wing influencers and media, exploit real fears held by immigrants who fled repression in countries like Cuba and Venezuela.
A viral fake video showing Harris posing in front of a sign for a far-left group has been widely shared in Spanish-language media and on social platforms. The doctored video, created by Trump supporters known as the Dilley Meme Team, circulated misinformation that tapped into these communities’ trauma from escaping authoritarian regimes.
Evelyn Pérez-Verdía, a strategist from Florida, encountered such false claims while listening to Miami’s La Nueva Poderosa radio station, where hosts discussed the fake video, calling Harris a “Marxist.” Although the station later retracted the statement, it revealed how pervasive these fears are in communities with large Cuban and Venezuelan populations.
Political messages warning of “socialism” and “communism” have become common in these groups, reflecting their concerns about the US political landscape and resonating with their experiences of fleeing oppressive governments. Experts argue these concerns are being manipulated, with baseless claims targeting Harris, who is viewed as representing a danger to capitalism.
Kamala Harris has never advocated for communist policies, nor does the Democratic Party support them. While Harris has supported left-leaning initiatives like “Medicare for All,” she no longer backs such policies. Despite this, false claims and AI-generated images continue to spread, stoking fears in communities already scarred by their past. Analysts warn this misinformation could influence Latino voters, a key demographic in swing states like Arizona and Nevada, ahead of the 2024 election.