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

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, known as antifa, as a major terror organization. The move comes amid growing tensions between the administration and left-wing groups, with some experts warning that the label could be used to target American activists. The term "major terror organization" does not appear in U.S. law or federal regulations, but Trump's announcement drew on language from his previous designations of foreign groups as terrorist entities. While there is no direct mechanism for labeling a domestic group as a terror organization, experts say the administration could try to find creative ways to tie American activists to foreign groups. "This is a classic example of 'othering' and demonizing a particular group," said Mark Bray, a historian and author of "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook." "The looseness of the term antifa allows for this kind of labeling, which can be used to justify all sorts of repressive measures." Bray noted that the term antifa refers to a loose network of anti-fascist groups and individuals who oppose far-right ideologies. He warned that the label could be used to target not just those with ties to foreign groups but also American activists who are critical of government policies. The move comes after last week's assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator, which Trump and his allies have sought to use as evidence of a broader threat from left-wing groups. However, experts say there is no evidence that antifa or other left-wing groups were involved in the killing. "This is just another example of the administration trying to use fear-mongering to justify its policies," said Sarah Knopp, a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "The fact remains that there is no credible evidence linking antifa or any other domestic group to terrorism." Trump's announcement drew criticism from lawmakers and civil liberties groups, who warned that the label could be used to justify surveillance, detention, and prosecution of American activists. The move also sparked concerns about the administration's use of national security powers to target domestic dissent. The designation is likely to face legal challenges, with some experts arguing that it exceeds the president's authority under federal law. However, the impact on American activists and civil liberties groups could be significant, even if the label itself is ultimately overturned in court. As the debate over antifa continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the implications of Trump's move go far beyond a simple label. The real target may be not just a particular group but a broader range of American activists who are critical of government policies and willing to challenge them through nonviolent means. *Reporting by Theintercept.*