Amid growing condemnation of political violence in the United States, President Donald Trump said he plans to designate Antifa, a group of far-left militants, as a “major terrorist organization.”
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform Truth Social on Wednesday (September 17) during his state visit to the UK.
“I am pleased to inform our many American patriots that I am designating Antifa, a sick, dangerous, radical left-wing scourge, as a major terrorist organization,” Trump said.
“I also strongly recommend that those who fund Antifa be thoroughly investigated according to the highest legal standards and practices,” he said.
Trump’s announcement came more than a week after Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative political activist and Trump ally, was assassinated by a suspected gunman with left-wing views at an event at Utah Valley University. In a joint speech Thursday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed his gratitude for the many British citizens who have expressed their condolences over Kirk’s death.
President Trump last week blamed the murder on left-wing political rhetoric.
“It is long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequences of demonizing those who disagree with you in the most hateful and despicable ways, day after day, year after year,” he said in an Oval Office speech on September 10.
“For years, the radical left has been comparing fine Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals,” he said. “This rhetoric has directly contributed to the terrorism we see in our country today and must stop immediately.”
Earlier this week, Trump said some Antifa groups were engaging in “subversive” activities. He said “some individuals … have invested millions of dollars in seditious activities” and could face charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Asked in an interview which left-wing groups the administration was targeting, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said “organized groups” were being targeted.
“In the sense that if there are organized groups that raise funds with the intent to organize individuals to commit acts of violence — whether it’s against law enforcement, individuals, government officials or Democrats — we will hold them accountable,” he told CNN on Tuesday.
“We will not stand by and watch those who are behind the scenes funding the real terrorists, including those who threw rocks at ICE trucks and attacked police officers during so-called peaceful protests that were anything but peaceful.”
Asked whether designating Antifa as a terrorist organization under current law carries any additional significance, Branch said: “Certainly, the president of the United States designating an organization as a terrorist group or a terrorist organization — that has power and weight, and it’s something that President Trump takes very seriously.”
MPs support the move
Several lawmakers expressed support for Trump’s designation of Antifa as a terrorist organization, including Congressman Andy Harris, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus.
He posted on social media platform X: “Political violence has no place in the United States. Designating Antifa as a terrorist organization and investigating those who fund them is how we restore safety and accountability.”
Senator Rick Scott also said: “For too long, Antifa has committed numerous crimes and instilled terror in cities across our country with impunity.”
“This is 100 percent the right thing to do,” he said.
It is unclear when Trump will sign the designation.
Antifa, short for “anti-fascism,” is a network of activists who use violence and vandalism to express their political stance.
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with Coker’s murder. Robinson’s mother told investigators that over the past year or so, Robinson had become “more political and started leaning more to the left — becoming more supportive of gay and transgender rights,” according to Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray.
Meanwhile, the board of directors of Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Koch, announced Thursday that his widow, Erika, will take over as CEO and chairperson of the board.
“In previous discussions, Charlie has indicated to several executives that this is exactly what he would want in the event of his death,” the group said in a post on X Platform.
