United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday designated the left-wing, anti-fascist Antifa movement as a major terrorist organisation. This comes after the assassination of right-wing political activist and his close ally Charlie Kirk. He described the group as “a sick, dangerous, radical left disaster.” Trump’s strongly worded statement underscores his administration’s hardline stance against left-wing activism. Antifa is a left-wing anti-fascist and anti-racist political movement in the United States. It consists of a highly decentralised network of autonomous groups that may use nonviolent direct action, and in some cases, violence to achieve their objectives.
Trump has stated that along with designating the group as a terror organisation, he would also be recommending the funders of Antifa to be thoroughly investigated.
“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!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
🚨 “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…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/irLHCkrX1n
---Advertisement---— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 18, 2025
Earlier this week, Trump had called Antifa as terrible during an Oval Office signing. “I would do that 100% and others also, by the way, but Antifa is terrible,” he remarked.
What is Antifa?
Antifa, short for “anti-fascists”, refers to a loosely connected network of far-left militant groups rather than a single, unified organisation. These groups primarily oppose fascists and neo-Nazis, often confronting them at protests and demonstrations, AP reported. Some individuals associated with Antifa engage in tactics such as digital activism, doxing, harassment, physical confrontation, and property damage. Supporters of the movement say their goal is to oppose far-right extremists, including neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
The Antifa movement in America grew after Trump was elected the President in 2016. The group since then has received support and criticism for its activities.
In July 2019, US Senator Bill Cassidy and Ted Cruz (R-TX) had introduced a resolution in the Senate to condemn Antifa’s violent attacks and to designate the group a domestic terror organisation. “Looting, destroying personal property, and violence cannot be tolerated. Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all. The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists,” Cassidy stated.
