President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he is designating Antifa as a terrorist organization.
In recent days, Trump has accused left-wing groups of fomenting violence against Republicans and conservatives, pointing to the September 10 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.
He said the “radical left” is inciting hatred and violence and pledged to take action.
“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 on Truth Social. “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 followed Trump’s earlier remarks that he was considering a terror designation for Antifa, which has been accused of attacking law enforcement and inciting riots. Trump has also suggested revoking the tax-exempt status of progressive nonprofits that support “radical elements” in the U.S. and abroad.
In a video message after Kirk’s killing, Trump tied left-wing rhetoric to what he called “terrorism” and politically motivated violence.
“It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year in the most hateful and despicable way possible,” Trump said.
“For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals. This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the kind of terrorism that we are seeing in our country today and it must stop right now,” he added.