Trump designates antifa as domestic terrorists
Share this @internewscast.com

Antifa, short for “anti-fascists,” is an umbrella term for far-left-leaning militant groups and is not a singular entity.

WASHINGTON — On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an order to classify a movement known as antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, though its legal feasibility is uncertain. Trump accuses antifa of inciting political violence.

During a state visit to the UK last week, the Republican president announced via social media that he intended to make this classification. He described antifa as a “SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER” and stated his intention to recommend thorough investigations into its financial backers.

The White House released Trump’s executive order shortly after he left for New York, where he was scheduled to deliver a speech at the U.N. General Assembly’s annual meeting on Tuesday.

Here are a few things to know about Trump and antifa:

What is antifa?

Antifa stands for “anti-fascists” and represents multiple militant groupings with far-left leaning ideals focusing on opposing neo-Nazis and white supremacists during protests.

Can Trump designate it as a domestic terrorist organization?

Being a domestic group, antifa does not qualify for the State Department’s list of international terrorist organizations, a list that includes groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaida. This designation is significant as it allows the Justice Department to target those providing material assistance to these organizations, even if they don’t directly engage in violence.

However, there is no equivalent domestic list in the U.S. due to broad First Amendment rights protecting groups within the country. Despite calls after incidents often linked to white supremacists for a domestic terrorism statute, no such specific law currently exists.

The executive order did not specify how Trump he would go about designating antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.

What does antifa do exactly?

Literature from the antifa movement encourages followers to pursue lawful protest activity as well as more confrontational acts, according to a 2018 Congressional Research Service report.

The literature suggests that followers monitor the activities of white supremacist groups, publicize online the personal information of perceived enemies, develop self-defense training regimens and compel outside organizations to cancel any speakers or events with “a fascist bent,” the report said.

People associated with antifa have been present for significant demonstrations and counter-demonstrations in recent years, including mobilizing against a white supremacist march in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017. They were also present during clashes with far-right groups in Portland, Oregon.

Why did Trump label antifa as domestic terrorists?

He says it’s a very bad and “sick” group. The executive order says antifa “uses illegal means to organize and execute a campaign of violence and terrorism nationwide” to accomplish its goal of overthrowing the U.S. government. The order calls on relevant government departments and agencies to use every authority to investigate, disrupt and dismantle any and all illegal operations, including terrorist actions conducted by antifa or anyone claiming to act on its behalf.

Trump’s history with antifa

In Trump’s first term, he and and members of his administration singled out antifa as being responsible for the violence at protests triggered by the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes and held it there even after Floyd stopped moving and pleading for air.

Then-Attorney General William Barr described “antifa-like tactics” by out-of-state agitators and said antifa was instigating violence and engaging in “domestic terrorism” and would be dealt with accordingly.

At the time, Trump blamed antifa by name for the violence, along with violent mobs, arsonists and looters.

He recently began singling out antifa again by name following the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative youth activist Charlie Kirk, who was a big supporter of the president.

In an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office last week, Trump said he would pursue a domestic terrorism designation for antifa if such a move had the support of Pam Bondi, the current attorney general, and other Cabinet members.

“It’s something I would do, yeah,” Trump said. ”I would do that 100%. Antifa is terrible.”

He previously had called for antifa to be designated as a terror organization after skirmishes in Portland, Oregon, during his first term.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
United Airlines flight diverts after windscreen crack

United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Diversion Due to Windscreen Crack

Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are currently probing an incident…
Man found dead in abandoned Tuscaloosa County residence

Tragic Discovery: Deceased Man Found in Abandoned Tuscaloosa Home Sparks Investigation

In Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, investigators from the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (TVCU)…
City of Chicago files lawsuit against Trump admin. over alleged unlawful restrictions of federal emergency grants

Chicago Sues Trump Administration Over Alleged Federal Emergency Grant Restrictions

In a bold move, the City of Chicago has taken legal action…
Bill introduced to protect FAA workers' pay amid shutdown

New Legislation Proposed to Safeguard FAA Employees’ Salaries During Government Shutdown

As the government shutdown drags into its third week, affecting countless federal…
Palatka student arrested for written death threats

Palatka Student Faces Arrest Over Alleged Threatening Messages

A 12-year-old from Palatka Junior-Senior High School is now facing serious legal…
dog runs away after battery ignites in flames

Heroic Pup Survives Fire After Lithium-Ion Battery Mishap at Assistant Fire Chief’s Home

A newly released video has captured the unexpected moment when a dog…
The Latest: Three ranked matchups in the AP Top 25 headline next weekend

Top 25 Showdowns: Key Ranked Matchups Set to Electrify College Football Weekend

The AP Top 25 underwent a dramatic transformation this Sunday following a…
Soros-backed blue city DA under fire after freeing suspect tied to Miss USA hopeful’s death

Controversy Erupts: Soros-Backed DA Faces Backlash for Release Linked to Miss USA Hopeful’s Tragic Death

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is under intense scrutiny after the arrest…
Missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard spotted earlier this month, mom not cooperating: Sheriff

Sheriff: Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard Recently Sighted; Mother Uncooperative in Investigation

In California, authorities are diligently searching for Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl…
Louvre jewel heist: Manhunt underway for 4 suspects after 'priceless' jewelry at Louvre in Paris stolen

International Manhunt Launched as Priceless Jewelry Stolen from Louvre in Daring Heist

Early Sunday morning, alarm bells rang out at the Louvre Museum as…
Truck hits parked van in Midtown Manhattan, pushing vehicle onto sidewalk and injuring 9

Midtown Manhattan Collision: Truck Crashes into Parked Van, Injures 9 as Vehicle Mounts Sidewalk

In a startling event on Monday, a truck collided with a parked…
George Wendt Way unveiled at 92nd Place and Bell Street in honor of late 'Cheers' cast member and Beverly, Chicago native

Honoring a Legend: ‘George Wendt Way’ Unveiled in Chicago to Celebrate Iconic ‘Cheers’ Star

George Wendt, a beloved figure from Chicago, spent his childhood on Bell…