Human rights advocate and former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom warned against the rising popularity of democratic socialism in the United States during an appearance on Fox News’s “The Story” with Martha MacCallum, arguing that history demonstrates socialism’s repeated failures across nations.
Freedom, who was born in Switzerland and raised in Turkey, drew on his firsthand experience living under authoritarian systems to make his case. “Wherever socialism touches, ‘it becomes a mess’,” he said, emphasizing the importance of educating younger generations about capitalism and preserving American freedom.
The warning comes as democratic socialists are experiencing unprecedented momentum in the 2026 primary elections. According to recent reporting, candidates affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America have won decisive victories in congressional and mayoral primaries across multiple states, including New York, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. The Guardian reported that democratic socialists are riding a wave of momentum in primaries from New York to Colorado, with a production line of victorious DSA candidates gaining traction in recent months.
Freedom’s activism has long centered on opposing authoritarian regimes. Raised in Turkey, he became an outspoken critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and has faced significant personal consequences for his political stance—Turkey canceled his passport in 2017 and placed a bounty on him. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and has since dedicated himself to advocating for human rights and democracy globally.
According to The Hill, nearly one in three Americans would vote for a democratic socialist, a significant shift in public sentiment. The rise of democratic socialism in the party has prompted concern from some Democratic leaders. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro told Morning Joe that the rise of democratic socialism in the party shows both “passion” and “pain” among voters, reflecting economic strain and fatigue with the Democratic establishment.
Sources
- Fox News — Enes Kanter Freedom’s appearance on “The Story” discussing the rise of democratic socialism in the United States and his direct quote “Wherever socialism touches, ‘it becomes a mess'”
- The Guardian — Democratic socialists riding a wave of momentum in primary elections across multiple states in 2026
- The Hill — Poll showing nearly one in three Americans would vote for a democratic socialist
- Middle East Forum — Background on Enes Kanter Freedom’s upbringing in Turkey and his experience with authoritarian systems
- NBC News — Context on the rise of democratic socialists in 2026 mayoral and congressional races, fueled by backlash to Trump policies and economic strain
