President Donald Trump said he is designating the far-left anti-fascism movement Antifa as a terrorist organization, announcing the move on his Truth Social platform in the early hours of Thursday morning UK time.
It wasn’t immediately clear what mechanism Trump would use to make the designation, and Antifa lacks centralized structure or defined leadership, making it unclear who or what precisely would be targeted.
“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,” Trump wrote. “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!”
A White House official told CNN, “This is just one of many actions the president will take to address left wing organizations that fuel political violence.”
Trump — who’s overseas for a formal state visit — signaled the move earlier this week in remarks from the Oval Office following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Is he legally able to do that?
I’m sure the republicans will give him carte blanche here, but I’m wondering if there’s any minimum bar to declare a group a terrorist organization.
Has that stopped him before?
Yes, but only like 1.5 months later if the courts rule against him
It’s a pretense to shake down nonprofits with any connection to defending our rights. Open their books and make a mountain out even the slightest mistakes. Scare opponents into inaction.
Does an organization named Antifa even exist?
No, that’s the sweet part - everyone and everything can now be designated ‘anti-fa’ as the state desires!
Their website has everything you need to know.
https://www.antifa.org/
I guess it’s possible someone somewhere made an organization, but I can’t find one with my very lazy googling.