On September 22, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order officially designating the Antifa movement as a domestic terrorist organization.
The White House described Antifa as a “militarist, anarchist enterprise” that seeks to overthrow the U.S. government and uses violence and terrorism to achieve its goals.
The order directs federal agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any illegal operations linked to Antifa, including those involving material support or funding. While Antifa is a decentralized movement without a central leadership, the administration said the designation is necessary to address growing domestic threats.
The move comes in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, which the administration cited as a catalyst. Legal experts have raised concerns over the constitutionality of the order and its potential impact on civil liberties and free speech.
The White House stated that the executive order will lead to increased surveillance and enforcement actions against individuals and groups associated with Antifa, sparking debate over the balance between domestic security and civil rights protections in the United States.