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President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, following through on a pledge he made after violent anti-ICE protests and the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Antifa, often described as a militant far-left movement, has been linked to protests that escalated into riots in cities including Los Angeles. Authorities have not established a direct connection between suspected Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson and the group, though investigators noted his ammunition was engraved with anti-fascist slogans.
In the order, Trump accused Antifa of recruiting young Americans, concealing its membership and funding, and coercing people into criminal activity.
“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 wrote.
“All relevant executive departments and agencies shall utilize all applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all illegal operations — especially those involving terrorist actions — conducted by Antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa,” he added.
The White House also addressed concerns with Antifa in a fact sheet released on Monday. It noted that Antifa has been tied to numerous violent incidents across the country. The group has clashed with police in armed standoffs, organized riots, and carried out assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and other law enforcement officials.
Federal officers have reported a dramatic increase in attacks against them, with assaults rising by more than 1000 percent. In Portland, Oregon, an Antifa-linked organization posted the names, photographs, and home addresses of ICE officers online, endangering their families. During protests in the same city, a journalist was severely beaten while covering the events.
The president had signaled last week that the designation was imminent and suggested that other left-leaning groups could face similar action, although he did not specify which ones.
Trump also said he had spoken with Attorney General Pam Bondi about potentially bringing federal racketeering charges against some far-left organizations and their financial backers.