On September 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order officially designating the far-left organization Antifa as a “domestic terrorist organization.” The order describes Antifa as a “militarized anarchist organization” that has long sought to subvert the United States government and its legal system through violence and intimidation.
The executive order highlights that Antifa not only advocates for the overthrow of the government but also engages in nationwide violence and riots through illegal means. This includes obstructing federal law enforcement, organizing riots, attacking immigration and customs enforcement personnel (ICE), as well as conducting online harassment and physical threats against political and activist figures. Antifa recruits young people, encourages them to participate in radical activities, conceals the sources of funding and the identities of members, and collaborates with other organizations to propagate political violence.
The order mandates relevant departments to conduct a comprehensive investigation and dismantle Antifa’s illegal operations, particularly targeting organizations and individuals involved in terrorist activities, while also tracing funding sources and prosecuting those who provide support.
President Trump emphasized in his statement that the United States is facing a “pandemic of radical leftist violence,” and the government must demonstrate firm and decisive leadership to uphold national security and the rule of law.
The White House statement also recalls several violent incidents linked to Antifa in recent years, including shootings and arson attacks on immigration enforcement facilities in Texas and Oregon in 2025, a bomb attack on the attorney general’s office in Alabama in 2024, and arson and explosive attacks on the Atlanta Police Training Center in 2023.
The statement further mentions that since 2017, Antifa has been involved in violent acts during protests and riots in California, Washington, and other regions against law enforcement, conservative individuals, and public facilities.
The White House stated that in recent years, Antifa has coordinated with other far-left groups, engaging in arson, attacks, and vandalism against the Republican Party, conservative institutions, the Catholic Church, and businesses, leading to casualties in multiple confrontations.
On September 10, prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a speech at a university in Utah, shocking the global community.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed that the suspect Tyler Robinson, who held leftist views, was found with bullets inscribed with “Antifa” and anti-fascist messages.
Antifa, short for “Anti-Fascist,” has members scattered across different regions, actively participating in street protests and demonstrations. Over the past decade, they have been frequently involved in street protests and riots in the United States, garnering controversy due to their violent and destructive behavior.
Since the wave of protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020, Antifa’s violent actions have drawn significant attention. Former President Trump had previously called for the organization to be designated as a terrorist group, but it was only through this recent executive order that the designation was formally implemented.
The executive order has been published in the Federal Register and took effect on the day of its signing.