Joe Manchin warns Democratic socialists are gaining ground as Democrats remain silent

Former West  Virginia senator says his old party is trending from liberal to progressive to DSA

Taylor Penley / Fox News

Former West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin criticized what he sees as his former party's embrace of the progressive left, warning that Democratic socialists are gaining ground while longtime Democrats largely remain silent.

"That's why I'm an independent," Manchin said on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast.

"[Members of the Democratic Party] went from liberal to progressives to DSA. It just keeps going on that trend," he added. 

Manchin left the Democratic Party after frequently breaking with fellow Democrats while serving in Congress. The longtime moderate registered as an independent in May 2024.

In a statement announcing his departure, Manchin criticized extremism on both the left and right, saying he had "seen both the Democrat and Republican parties leave West Virginia and our country behind for partisan extremism while jeopardizing our democracy."

Manchin also argued that neither party was willing to "find common ground" or "put country before party." Read more, and see videos here.