Trump Designates Antifa a Terror Group, Raising Fears of Broader Crackdown on Activists

Trump Wants to Label Antifa a Terror Group; Experts Warn of Broader Implications President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he was designating the anti-fascist movement antifa as a major terror organization, sparking concerns among experts about the potential consequences for American activists and the country's civil liberties. The move comes after thousands marched through Washington, D.C. on August 16, protesting the use of federal agents and the National Guard to conduct policing actions throughout the city. Trump has long been critical of antifa, which he has labeled a "domestic terror threat." However, experts warn that labeling a domestic group as a terror organization can have far-reaching implications. "There's no legal mechanism allowing the Trump administration to directly label a domestic terror group," said Mark Bray, a historian and author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook. "But they could try to find creative ways to put American activists in court or under financial pressure by tying them to foreign groups." Bray noted that the term antifa is loose-knit and not an organization with a clear leadership structure, making it difficult to designate as a terror group. He added that Trump's move may be part of a larger effort to paint left-wing groups as threats to the country. The Trump administration has been criticized for its handling of protests and demonstrations across the country. Last week's assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was seized upon by Trump and his allies as an example of the alleged threat posed by left-wing groups. However, experts point out that there is no evidence linking antifa or other left-wing groups to the killing. The move to label antifa as a terror group has been met with skepticism by many in the academic community. "Labeling a domestic group as a terror organization can have serious consequences for civil liberties and free speech," said Sarah Knuckey, a law professor at New York University. "It's a slippery slope that could lead to further erosion of our rights." The Trump administration has not provided details on how it plans to implement the designation or what specific actions will be taken against antifa. However, experts warn that the move could have far-reaching implications for American activists and the country's civil liberties. As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering about the motivations behind Trump's move. "The larger danger may stem from the very looseness of the term antifa," said Bray. "It's a label that can be applied to anyone who opposes fascism or white supremacy, making it a powerful tool for silencing dissent." In related news, protests against the Trump administration's handling of protests and demonstrations continue across the country. The National Lawyers Guild has announced plans to provide legal support to activists facing charges related to their involvement in protests. The situation remains fluid, with many experts warning that the implications of Trump's move could be far-reaching and devastating for American civil liberties. *Reporting by Theintercept.*