U.S. President Donald J. Trump has officially designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, marking the first time his administration has formally applied such a label to the loose network of left-wing, anti-fascist activists.
The executive order, issued on Sunday (September 22), describes Antifa as “a militarist, anarchist enterprise” that seeks to overthrow the U.S. government and undermine law enforcement. The order accuses the group of engaging in violent assaults on officers, organizing riots, obstructing federal law enforcement operations, and intimidating political figures through doxing and threats.
“Antifa recruits, trains, and radicalizes young Americans to engage in violence,” the order states, adding that the group coordinates with other entities “for the purpose of spreading and advancing political violence.”
Under the designation, all relevant federal agencies are directed to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle Antifa-linked operations. This includes potential criminal actions against individuals or organizations accused of funding the group.
The order emphasizes that implementation must remain consistent with applicable law and clarifies that it does not create new legal rights or entitlements.
The move is likely to spark heated political debate. Critics have long argued that Antifa is not a centralized organization but rather a loosely affiliated movement, raising questions about how such a designation will be enforced in practice.
The executive order will be published in the Federal Register.
