US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating the movement “Antifa” as a “domestic terrorist organization,” the White House announced.
The document describes Antifa as a “militant, anarchist organization” that “openly calls for the overthrow of the US government, law enforcement, and our entire legal system.” The order claims the movement employs “violence and terrorism across the country” to achieve its aims. Trump placed responsibility on Antifa for organizing riots, clashing with police, attacking immigration and customs officers, and issuing threats against politicians and activists.
The American leader instructed federal agencies to investigate and suppress “any illegal activities” carried out by Antifa or by individuals claiming to act in its name.
As BBC News explains, “Antifa” (short for “anti-fascist”) is a decentralized left-wing movement opposing far-right, racist, and fascist groups. It has no leader, structure, or membership list, making it unclear how authorities intend to pursue it within a legal framework. Critics note that some Antifa supporters differ from other leftist organizations in their “willingness to use violence to achieve their goals,” although activists themselves describe such actions as “self-defense.”
Trump first announced his intention to designate Antifa a terrorist organization on September 18—one week after the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.