NextFin news, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, that he is considering officially designating the anti-fascist group Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization in the United States. This announcement came in the Oval Office in Washington, D.C., amid heightened tensions following the recent killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Trump stated that he would take this step if he receives support from members of his administration and the Department of Justice. He described Antifa as an "ultra-left" group responsible for inciting violence and said, "This is something I would do, yes." The president also mentioned other radical left-wing groups, accusing them of engaging in violent activities without facing consequences.
The move follows increased efforts by the Trump administration to crack down on what it describes as coordinated left-wing violence. The killing of Charlie Kirk last week has intensified these efforts, although authorities have not publicly linked the suspect to any organized network. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, is currently held in a special detention facility and is undergoing a mental health evaluation.
Trump also discussed with Attorney General Pam Bondi the possibility of charging left-wing groups under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a law designed to combat organized crime. He said, "They should be put in jail for what they are doing to this country, it is truly subversive."
Antifa, short for anti-fascist, is a decentralized movement without formal leadership or membership lists. It consists of various local groups and activists who oppose fascism, racism, and far-right extremism, often through protests and direct action, sometimes involving confrontational tactics.
The president's comments were reported by multiple news outlets including CNN and RBC Ukraine, citing direct statements from Trump and his administration. The announcement marks a significant escalation in the government's approach to left-wing activism in the U.S.
Explore more exclusive insights at nextfin.ai.