Written by Lisa Murimi
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to classify the left-wing antifa movement as a terrorist organization, escalating political tensions after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said he was “designating” antifa as a terrorist group and urged federal investigators to probe its funding networks.
“I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices,” he said.
The move follows the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, charged with assassinating Kirk in Utah. Prosecutors say Robinson acted alone, and no evidence has surfaced linking him to antifa or any other outside group. His motives remain unclear.
Legal experts questioned the significance of Trump’s announcement. Antifa is a loosely organized ideological movement with no central leadership or membership rolls, making it difficult to classify under U.S. law.
Past attempts to criminalize ideological affiliation have raised constitutional concerns, particularly regarding free speech protections.
Still, the White House is drafting an executive order on political violence and hate speech, according to an administration official.
Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, reinforced the administration’s stance in a Fox News interview, blaming “left-wing radicalization” for creating the climate that led to Kirk’s assassination.
“Funding networks for left-wing violence are going to be treated like a terrorist organization,” Vance said.
Critics argue Trump is using the tragedy as a pretext to target political opponents and silence dissent.
