Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization
This executive order, issued by President Donald J. Trump, designates the group commonly described as Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The order characterizes Antifa as a militarist, anarchist movement that seeks to overthrow the U.S. government and law enforcement, employing violence, riots, armed standoffs with authorities, and doxxing or threats against political figures. Based on this designation, the order directs all relevant federal departments and agencies to use their authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations connected to Antifa or to individuals acting on its behalf, including efforts to target funding sources and others providing material support. The order emphasizes implementation consistent with existing law and notes that it does not create any new legal rights or benefits. It calls for publication in the Federal Register. In short, the order formalizes a federal stance that Antifa constitutes a domestic terrorist threat and tasks federal agencies with pursuing investigations and enforcement actions against Antifa activities and their funders, relying on preexisting legal authorities. > Note: The document presented includes a signature date of September 22, 2025, with the status listing “Signed on 9/21/2025,” and a Federal Register filing date of September 24, 2025. The practical effect hinges on the text itself and subsequent lawful implementation.
Key Points
- 1Important provision 1: Antifa is defined in the order as a terrorist threat and described as a movement that uses violence and coercion to suppress lawful political activity and to obstruct the enforcement of federal law.
- 2Important provision 2: Antifa is explicitly designated a “domestic terrorist organization,” triggering authority for federal action across agencies to address the organization and its activities.
- 3Important provision 3: All relevant executive departments and agencies are directed to use their applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations tied to Antifa, including actions against individuals or groups acting on its behalf and against funding sources.
- 4Important provision 4: The order directs proactive enforcement against those who provide material support or funding for Antifa operations, including necessary investigatory and prosecutorial actions.
- 5Important provision 5: The order includes general provisions that it be implemented under applicable law and that it does not create new rights or enforceable claims; it must be published in the Federal Register, signaling formal administrative process and transparency.