Colorado Governor Jared Polis told Newsmax he is alarmed by the growing influence of Democratic Socialists in his party and warned that government ownership of companies risks blurring the line between democratic governance and authoritarian control. He argued the government should not both run businesses and act as their regulator, citing recent stakes in Intel and MP Materials as cautionary examples. Polis said he supports universal health care and a strong safety net but believes these goals are best achieved through capitalism and sustained economic growth. He also criticized some DSA proposals to overhaul constitutional institutions as "odd" and constitutionally fraught.
Polis Warns There’s a ‘Fine Line Between Socialism And Fascism,’ Urges Caution On Government Ownership
Jared Polis
Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) told Newsmax host Bob Brookson he is concerned about the growing influence of Democratic Socialists within the Democratic Party and warned of risks when government begins to own and operate companies. The governor, a former member of the U.S. House, argued that government participation as both regulator and market player undermines impartial oversight and can have authoritarian implications.
Polis: Define Socialism, Then Debate It
Polis asked viewers to start from a clear definition: socialism, he said, involves government or collective ownership of the means of production — meaning the government owns and runs companies. He cited recent government stakes in private firms as examples of a worrying trend, saying the government currently holds about a 10% stake in Intel and roughly 15% of MP Materials, a rare-earths company.
Polis: "The government should not be in the business of business — leave that to the private sector. Government has a role, of course — preventing monopolies, protecting consumers — but it shouldn't be both a player and a referee."
How To Respond To The Rise Of DSA-Backed Candidates
Asked how to counter the surge of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)-backed candidates, Polis said Democrats should candidly discuss historical failures of socialism while defending popular priorities such as universal health care and a strong social safety net. He argued these goals are attainable through capitalism and the economic growth it produces.
Polis pointed to European Union accession rules as an illustration: countries joining the EU had to establish market economies and privatize sectors such as banking and electricity, he said, arguing that sustained economic growth under a market system is what funds robust social programs.
On The DSA Policy Platform
Brookson summarized elements of the DSA platform — including proposals to replace the Electoral College with a national popular vote, limit or overhaul the Supreme Court, abolish ICE and certain prisons, and pursue what the group calls "economic democracy" through public ownership of large corporations. He also referenced calls for significant wealth taxes.
Polis: "There's a fine line between socialism and fascism — they tend to meet at the end of the spectrum. When they talk about the government owning companies...that's what socialists want. I think it's important we don't take the first few steps in that direction."
Polis separated constitutional reform items from economic prescriptions, calling proposals to abolish the Senate or limit the Supreme Court "odd positions" rather than strictly economic or socialist aims. He emphasized that such institutional changes raise distinct constitutional questions and that the bicameral legislature is a foundational element of the U.S. system.
Closing Thoughts
Polis urged greater historical literacy among younger voters about instances where socialist policies have failed, while reaffirming his support for social safety nets achieved through market-driven prosperity. He warned against expanding government ownership into strategic sectors such as AI and called for clarity about the government's proper role as regulator rather than market competitor.
Watch the full interview for Polis’s complete remarks and the exchange with Brookson.
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