Trump to Designate Antifa as Terror Group in Executive Order

President Donald Trump plans to designate the anti-fascism movement known as Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The executive order could be signed as early as March 4, 2024, marking a significant step in Trump’s ongoing efforts to address what he calls left-leaning political extremism.

During a press briefing, Leavitt confirmed the president’s intentions, stating, “Antifa is going to be designated a domestic terrorist organization.” She emphasized that the executive order would be one of several actions aimed at confronting left-wing groups following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump had previously announced his intention to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization.

The order’s practical implications remain uncertain, particularly because Antifa lacks a centralized leadership structure. This absence of hierarchy raises questions about how the administration would effectively identify and target individuals or funding sources associated with the group.

Leavitt criticized Democratic lawmakers who opposed a resolution honoring Kirk, suggesting that they have been influenced by radical elements within the party. “Many Democrats in elective office have now been totally captured by a radical fringe of the far left,” she stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing what it views as a growing threat.

In his remarks at Kirk’s funeral, Trump expressed his disdain for political opponents, a sentiment that contradicted Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who advocated for love over hate. Leavitt defended the president’s comments, describing him as “authentically himself.”

The term Antifa, short for anti-fascist, encompasses a diverse range of individuals with varying political beliefs, primarily those leaning towards the far left. Unlike organized far-right groups such as the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers, Antifa does not operate under a defined leadership or command structure. This decentralization complicates any potential government efforts to prosecute its members or disrupt funding channels.

While the administration aims to investigate the financial backing of Antifa and similar groups, legal experts caution that designating a domestic group as a terrorist organization may face constitutional challenges. Unlike foreign terrorist organizations, there is no existing law that prohibits providing material support to domestic groups.

Trump recently posted on social media, declaring, “I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.” He also indicated that he would recommend thorough investigations into individuals and organizations funding Antifa.

Leavitt pointed to instances of violence attributed to Antifa, mentioning bullets recovered from the investigation into Kirk’s murder that were engraved with anti-fascist messages. She reiterated the administration’s focus on identifying funding sources for Antifa and violent left-wing groups.

The roots of Antifa trace back to anti-fascist movements opposing dictators such as Benito Mussolini during World War II and resisting white supremacist groups throughout Europe during the Cold War. Trump’s announcement has prompted concerns that the designation could be used to suppress left-wing dissent on a larger scale.

In a similar vein, Trump has suggested that members of activist group Code Pink, who protested during his visit to a Washington, D.C., restaurant, should face legal repercussions for their actions. As the administration prepares for this significant move, it remains to be seen how the designation of Antifa as a terrorist group will unfold in practice.