US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would designate “Antifa” — a shorthand term for “anti-fascist” used to describe diffuse far-left groups — as “a major terrorist organization,” a move he has threatened since his first term.
“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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
What is Antifa?
Antifa, short for “anti-fascists”, refers to a loosely connected network of far-left militant groups rather than a single, unified organisation. These groups primarily oppose fascists and neo-Nazis, often confronting them at protests and demonstrations, AP reported.
Because Antifa lacks formal structure or centralised leadership, it remains uncertain how the administration would go about designating it as a terrorist organisation.
The White House has not yet provided specific details on how such a classification would be implemented.
Trump’s previous FBI director, Christopher Wray, said in testimony in 2020 that antifa is an ideology, not an organisation, lacking the hierarchical structure that would usually allow it to be designated as a terror group by the federal government.
After Trump’s post, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised the announcement, saying: “Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all. The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists.”
In July 2019, Cassidy and 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 organisation.
(With inputs from agencies)