Latest Trump administration move sparks concerns about free speech and legal implications; the United States has no legal framework for domestic groups to be classified as terrorist organizations
US President Donald Trump has said he is designating “antifa” as a “major terrorist organization” in a post to his social media platform, Truth Social, sparking major free speech concerns.
“I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,” Trump wrote on September 17. “I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.”
Trump’s latest announcement caused immediate shockwaves among those part of social movements opposing the president’s political agenda. “Antifa” began heavily factoring into right-wing narratives attempting to criminalize protest following Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. “Antifa” is short for “anti-fascist”, and some individuals and collectives have used “antifa” to broadly describe anti-fascist and anti-capitalist politics – but there is no organized group unifying all of these collectives as Trump alleges.
Trump move sparks legal questions
The Trump administration has also opened up significant legal questions with this announcement, as the United States has no legal framework that allows domestic groups to be classified as terrorist organizations.
“The president does not have legal authority to designate a domestic group as terrorists for good reason, as any such designation will raise significant First Amendment, due process and equal protection concerns,” Hina Shamsi, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Security Project, told The Washington Post.
Recent Posts
Trump’s Vision for the Homeless Is Already Here
Take Action Now Forcing the most vulnerable among us into institutions only perpetuates their trauma. I know, because I’ve lived it.By Rachel…
U.S. Expands “Economic Fury” Sanctions on Iran as Trump Declares Ceasefire
Take Action Now Relief from devastating sanctions is a key provision for Iran in the ceasefire negotiations.By Sharon Zhang, TruthOut The U.S.…
We Have Fascism at Home: Resisting Militarized Police
Take Action Now While we must organize against fascism at the federal level, we must not lose sight of the threat of local police and their damage to…
The Bezos Post Editorial Page Has Become a Mouthpiece for Pro-Billionaire Propaganda
Take Action Now Jeff Bezos said The Washington Post would no longer publish opinion pieces critical of free markets. Recent editorials show just how…