Red Scare Trend 2026

The Red Scare refers to intense fear of communism spreading within the U.S., primarily during two periods: 1917–1920 and the Cold War. Governments and politicians used it to justify suppressing dissent, monitoring citizens, and restricting immigration. Beneficiaries included conservative political leaders, law enforcement agencies, and anti-communist groups who gained power, funding, and public support by stoking national security anxieties.