President Donald Trump announced last week that he is officially designating the group Antifa as a terrorist organization.
The move follows a series of violent incidents attributed to the group and comes days after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in Orem, Utah.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social Wednesday evening. “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,” the President 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!”
The announcement came shortly after Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office.
In that address, the President vowed to pursue those responsible for Kirk’s killing as well as other instances of political violence.
“We will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence including the organizations that fund it and support it,” Trump said.
TO MY GREAT FELLOW AMERICANS… pic.twitter.com/oRsrE5TTHr [1]
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2025 [2]
Legislative action is also being discussed in Congress.
Representative Anna Paulina Luna told Benny Johnson that she had legislation ready and urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to take it up.
BREAKING: Following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announces legislation to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization and impose capital punishment for its crimes:
“I have legislation that would currently ban Antifa or categories Antifa as a terrorist… pic.twitter.com/4MGesDkueg [3]
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 11, 2025 [4]
At the same time, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau is investigating non-governmental organizations and “domestic cells” tied to church attacks.
Patel said agents are “following the money” to determine sources of support.
Senator Hawley asks FBI Director Kash Patel the question on everyone’s mind:
“Are you investigating any domestic cells that instigate or encourage or fund—attacks on churches or other houses of worship?”
Kash Patel responds with four words that explain everything:… pic.twitter.com/ymlFrw82Mp [5]
— Vigilant Fox (@VigilantFox) September 16, 2025 [6]
The designation has sparked [7] pushback from members of the media, including NBC anchor Chuck Todd.
He suggested during commentary that the administration could target individuals like George Soros by linking them to the group.
“And if the Trump administration decides to say, ‘You, George Soros, are a part of this group that I designated,’ and you’re like, ‘No, I’m not,’ and it doesn’t matter,” Todd said.
NEW: Chuck Todd *PANICS* over Trump designating Antifa terrorist organization
“I don’t even know what Antifa is. I know what the definition of Antifa is. There is no group!”
“But what’s dangerous is that by designating it, who’s going to define who the group is?”
“And if… pic.twitter.com/vhZsRMSArF [8]
— Jason Cohen (@JasonJournoDC) September 22, 2025 [9]
[10]Todd’s remarks drew attention because of past statements made by Joe Biden.
During his first presidential debate in 2020, Biden argued that Antifa was “an idea not an organization, not a militia. That’s what his FBI Director said.”
Critics say Todd’s comments echoed Biden’s position by downplaying Antifa’s organizational presence.
Antifa has maintained a visible presence in the United States for years, using websites, selling merchandise, posting videos on social media, and organizing protests that have often turned violent.
Independent journalist Andy Ngo, who was assaulted by Antifa members while covering demonstrations in Portland in 2019, has documented the group’s activities extensively.
During a recent White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined several of the violent acts attributed to Antifa.
She cited a nail bombing attack on the Alabama attorney general’s office, multiple attacks on pregnancy resource centers in Florida, an assault on an ICE center in North Texas, and repeated attacks on ICE facilities in Portland, Oregon.
.@PressSec [11]: Antifa is a violent, Radical Left terrorist organization. That’s why President Trump will imminently sign an Executive Order officially designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization — as soon as today. pic.twitter.com/n52bGSsqLa [12]
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 22, 2025 [13]
Ngo has also published investigations detailing Antifa’s connections to extremist groups and the use of encrypted online platforms to coordinate actions.
Here are some of the Antifa violent attacks that @karolineleavitt [14] highlighted in the announcement from the White House press room: Portland Antifa militants charged with felony arson and other crimes in ongoing 2025 insurrection against Portland ICE: https://t.co/8uivqQMEIH [15]
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 22, 2025 [16]
Here are some of the Antifa violent attacks that @karolineleavitt [14] highlighted in the announcement from the White House press room: Three Florida Antifa militants were convicted for attacking pregnancy resource centers and leaving threats of violence against the staff. Oregon… pic.twitter.com/i71ZOWvpj4 [17]
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 22, 2025 [18]
His reporting has been widely cited in discussions about the scope and impact of the organization.
The designation of Antifa as a terrorist organization marks a significant shift in federal policy.
While critics warn it could expand government powers, supporters argue it gives law enforcement additional tools to target funding streams and organized networks behind politically motivated violence.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and Department of Justice, are continuing their investigations into groups and individuals suspected of supporting Antifa.
The administration has indicated that further announcements will be made as evidence develops.