The president is urging that the leftist organization be thoroughly investigated
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday on Truth Social that he is officially designating Antifa as a “major terrorist organization” in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and growing concerns about radical leftist violence.
The president posted the following message to his Truth Social account:
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!
The announcement comes as federal investigators continue examining connections between Kirk’s alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, and radical leftist networks. Sources close to the investigation have indicated that Robinson had ties to anti-conservative activist groups, though the full extent of these connections remains under investigation.
Trump’s designation carries significant legal implications, potentially allowing federal law enforcement agencies to pursue Antifa-affiliated individuals and organizations under terrorism statutes. The president also indicated that financial backers of Antifa would face scrutiny.
“I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices,” Trump stated in his Truth Social post.
The move fulfills a campaign promise Trump made during his 2024 presidential run, when he pledged to crack down on what he termed “domestic terrorism from the radical left.” The designation allows federal agencies to freeze assets, monitor communications, and pursue enhanced criminal penalties against those deemed to be supporting terrorist activities.
Legal experts note that the terrorist designation gives the Trump administration broad powers to investigate and prosecute individuals associated with Antifa activities. This includes the ability to use surveillance tools typically reserved for international terrorist threats and to pursue conspiracy charges against those who provide material support to designated organizations.
The announcement has been praised by conservative lawmakers and law enforcement organizations who have long argued that Antifa’s tactics constitute domestic terrorism. The designation is expected to face legal challenges from civil liberties groups, though the administration appears confident in its legal standing.
Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to provide additional details about enforcement mechanisms in the coming days.
