Trump designates anti-fascist Antifa movement as a terrorist organisation
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A protester holding a sign saying "Antifa" at a rally following a call for action by the "Bloquons tout" (Block everything) collective in Montpellier, France, on Sept 10.
PHOTO: EPA
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US President Donald Trump on Sept 17 said he was designating the left-wing, anti-fascist Antifa movement as a terrorist organisation, in a move following the assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
“I will also be strongly recommending that those funding Antifa be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices,” Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
It was not clear what legal weight Mr Trump’s proclamation carries. Antifa is a loosely organised ideological movement without a clear leadership structure or hierarchy, experts said.
A day after Utah prosecutors unveiled formal charges against the suspect in the assassination of Mr Kirk, no evidence has emerged connecting 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with any outside group. Questions also remain about his precise motives.
Mr Trump and senior officials have repeatedly blamed left-wing groups for creating an atmosphere of hostility towards conservatives before Mr Kirk’s assassination. Critics say Mr Trump is using Mr Kirk’s assassination as a pretext to crack down on political opponents.
The White House is preparing an executive order on political violence and hate speech, said a Trump administration official earlier on Sept 17.
US Vice-President J.D. Vance, in an interview with Fox News on Sept 17, repeatedly blamed what he called left-wing political radicalisation for the assassination.
He said the White House was working hard to ensure that “funding networks for left-wing violence” are going to be treated like a terrorist organisation.
Mr Trump initially floated the idea of such a designation for Antifa in 2020 amid violent nationwide protests following the police killing of Mr George Floyd in Minneapolis.
At the time, legal experts said such a step lacked a basis in law, would be hard to execute, and raised free-speech concerns, given that subscription to an ideology is not generally considered criminal.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for further details on Sept 17. REUTERS
