Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he is designating the far-left anti-fascism movement Antifa as a terrorist organization.
He made the declaration on his Truth Social account in the early hours of Thursday morning UK time while on a formal state visit overseas.
Trump wrote, “I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.”
The statement immediately raised questions about how such a move could be carried out. Antifa, short for “anti-fascist,” is not a centralized group but rather a loosely organized movement with no official leadership or headquarters. That makes it unclear who or what could actually be targeted under the designation.
A White House official told CNN that this was “just one of many actions the president will take to address left wing organizations that fuel political violence.” The announcement follows the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which Trump and his allies have cited in recent days while calling for a crackdown on left-wing groups.
Administration officials have suggested they are looking at broader measures, including revoking tax-exempt status for liberal non-profits and even pursuing criminal charges against individuals accused of targeting conservatives. Attorney General Pam Bondi has reportedly been asked to explore whether racketeering charges (RICO cases) could be brought against groups or individuals believed to be funding agitators.
The move has already drawn criticism from Democrats and civil liberties groups, who argue Trump is using the Antifa label as a pretext to stifle dissent and silence opposing political views. Critics also point out that U.S. law allows the government to designate foreign groups as terrorist organizations, making it illegal to provide material support, but no such mechanism exists for domestic groups.
This is not the first time Trump has attempted such an action. During his first term, he vowed to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization, and then-Attorney General William Barr described its activities as “domestic terrorism.” However, experts noted at the time that the lack of a clear structure or formal organization makes any designation largely symbolic.
Trump, speaking earlier this week from the Oval Office, reinforced his stance, saying: “Antifa is terrible. There are other groups. We have some pretty radical groups, and they got away with murder,” though he offered no evidence. He added that further steps were being considered to pursue left-wing organizations that he believes are undermining the country.
As of now, it remains unclear what practical effect, if any, Trump’s announcement will have. But the rhetoric highlights how the former president continues to make Antifa and other left-wing groups central targets in his political messaging.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
