The executive order follows the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which the US president blamed on “radical left violence”
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order formally designating the Antifa movement as a domestic terrorist organization, citing a “coordinated campaign of political violence” aimed at law enforcement and conservative figures, the White House announced on Monday.
The move follows Trump’s earlier vow to take action against what he described as “radical left extremism,” coming just days after the assassination of Charlie Kirk during a college speaking event in Utah. The authorities charged Tyler Robinson, 22, in the killing. Prosecutors say Robinson, who allegedly holds left-leaning views, confessed to the crime in private messages and described the shooting as retaliation for Kirk’s political rhetoric.
In the executive order released on Monday, Trump said Antifa is a “militarist, anarchist enterprise” that seeks to overthrow the US government and engages in violent efforts to obstruct federal law enforcement. “This organized effort designed to achieve policy objectives by coercion and intimidation is domestic terrorism,” the order stated.
The document details alleged activities including armed standoffs with law enforcement, organized riots, and assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. It also accuses Antifa of recruiting and radicalizing young Americans, shielding its members’ identities, and concealing its funding sources.
“Because of the aforementioned pattern of political violence designed to suppress lawful political activity and obstruct the rule of law, I hereby designate Antifa as a ‘domestic terrorist organization,’” Trump said in the order.
Under the executive directive, federal agencies are instructed to use all available legal authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any illegal operations involving Antifa or those acting on its behalf. This includes prosecuting individuals or entities that provide material support to the group. The White House added that the order is to be implemented in accordance with existing laws.
Antifa, short for ‘anti-fascist’, refers to a loosely affiliated network of left-wing activists known for organizing counter-protests, often while masked or wearing black attire. The group gained national attention during the 2020 George Floyd unrest and has been linked to violent confrontations with police, journalists, and right-wing demonstrators.
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