Designates Anti-fascist group Antifa as a 'terrorist organization' declared by Trump
In a surprising announcement during his state visit to the United Kingdom, US President Donald Trump declared his intention to designate Antifa as a major terrorist organization. The President made this announcement in a social media post shortly before 1:30 a.m. Thursday local time.
Trump called Antifa a "SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER." The President has previously ascribed blame to Antifa for various actions he dislikes, including violence against police and the US Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
Senator Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, praised Trump's announcement, stating that Antifa promotes violence and anarchy, working against justice for all. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., had previously, along with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced a resolution in the Senate to condemn the violent acts of antifa and to designate the group a domestic terror organization in July 2019.
However, it's important to note that the United States does not have a list of designated "domestic terrorist organizations." Christopher Wray, Trump's former FBI director, stated in 2020 that antifa is an ideology, not an organization, and lacks the hierarchical structure to be designated as a terror group by the federal government.
The White House did not immediately offer more details on how the administration would label Antifa as a terrorist organization. Trump also said he will strongly recommend that funders of Antifa be investigated.
Trump's threat to designate Antifa comes after senior White House official Stephen Miller vowed to dismantle an alleged "vast domestic terror movement" linked to the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Federal law enforcement includes combating domestic terrorism under its purview. The future implications of Trump's announcement remain unclear, as the designation of Antifa as a terrorist organization would require a formal process and the support of federal agencies.
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