Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Sep 23: US President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order officially designating the left-wing Antifa movement as a domestic terrorist organization, following the September 10 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university campus.

Antifa, short for “anti-fascist,” is a loosely organized far-left network known for confronting right-wing groups and at times using aggressive tactics. Trump’s order described Antifa as a “militarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States Government,” accusing it of employing violence and terrorism to suppress free speech while concealing members’ identities and funding sources.

The order allows US authorities to act against “any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa, or for which Antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa provided material support.” Critics warn the sweeping language could be used to curb dissent or target political opponents.

The move follows the fatal shooting of Kirk, a vocal conservative, for which 22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been charged with murder. Investigators say Robinson told them he attacked Kirk out of resentment for what he described as “hatred” spread by the activist.

Trump has repeatedly threatened action against Antifa since his first term, blaming it for a range of violent incidents, including the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Antifa-linked activists, often clad in black, have a history of confronting far-right demonstrators, including during Trump’s 2017 inauguration and the Charlottesville protests later that year.

The designation marks a dramatic escalation in the US political landscape, intensifying debate over polarization and the government’s response to extremist violence.