Trump Administration Plans to Label Far-Left Groups as Terrorists in September 2026

The Trump administration is pushing to label far-left groups as terrorist threats. This is a major change from previous years when no domestic groups were given this specific designation.
By Newsroom | Politics, United States |

UPDATE: Government Pursues Designation of Antifa and Similar Groups

The Trump administration has intensified its focus on designating 'antifa' and other far-left groups as terrorist entities, a move that has prompted concerns among legal experts and civil liberties advocates. This push involves urging allies and U.S. investigators to identify connections between these groups and Americans. Officials have also discussed using racketeering charges against operations deemed to be funding agitators.

LATEST: Legal and Practical Challenges

"Antifa isn't a functioning, cohesive organization like ISIS or al-Qaida, which had clear leaders and a hierarchy."

FLASH: The classification of 'antifa' as a foreign terrorist...

The classification of 'antifa' as a foreign terrorist organization faces significant legal hurdles. Experts point out that 'antifa' lacks the centralized structure and clear leadership typical of groups like ISIS or al-Queda, making a formal designation from a legal standpoint difficult.

Trump Officials Push Allies to Pursue Antifa and Far Left as Terrorist Threats - 1

  • Such a designation could lead social media platforms to restrict communications perceived as related to 'antifa'.

FLASH: Concerns exist that labeling far-left groups as foreign...

  • Concerns exist that labeling far-left groups as foreign terrorist organizations could enable broader government surveillance and investigation of left-wing activists within the United States.

    • JUST IN: Background and Context

  • Some analyses suggest that extending the existing foreign material support for terrorism framework to domestic groups with "unpopular beliefs" could infringe upon free speech rights, potentially exposing individuals or groups holding disfavored views to scrutiny and prosecution. The Supreme Court has previously acknowledged the First Amendment implications of such frameworks.

    • President Trump has publicly blamed 'antifa' for political violence, a stance that underpins the administration's actions. Discussions about designating 'antifa' as a domestic terrorist organization have been ongoing, with an executive order to that effect published on September 22, 2025.

    LATEST: The administration's efforts also extend to pushing allies...

    The administration's efforts also extend to pushing allies to target far-left groups globally. This international pressure campaign involves encouraging foreign allies to also classify these groups as terrorist organizations.

    FLASH: However, the effectiveness of targeting certain European far-left...

    Trump Officials Push Allies to Pursue Antifa and Far Left as Terrorist Threats - 2

    However, the effectiveness of targeting certain European far-left groups, designated by the State Department, is questioned as they have reportedly not plotted attacks on Americans in over a decade. This raises questions about whether this focus distracts from more critical counterterrorism priorities.

    FLASH: The Brennan Center for Justice has raised alarms,...

    The Brennan Center for Justice has raised alarms, stating that the authority to designate either 'antifa' or any domestic group as a terrorist organization in this manner does not exist. They argue that such actions aim to criminalize opposition and could violate free speech.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Why is the Trump administration trying to label far-left groups as terrorists in 2026?
    The administration believes these groups are responsible for political violence. They are using this label to justify new investigations and potential racketeering charges against people who fund them.
    Q: What happens to Americans if these groups are labeled as terrorist organizations?
    If these groups are labeled as terrorists, social media companies may block their posts. Additionally, the government might use more surveillance tools to watch activists who hold these views.
    Q: Why do legal experts say this plan is difficult to enforce?
    Experts argue that 'antifa' does not have a single leader or a main office like other terrorist groups. Because there is no clear structure, it is legally hard to apply existing terror laws to them.
    Q: Does the government have the legal power to name domestic groups as terrorists?
    The Brennan Center for Justice says the government does not have the legal authority to do this. They warn that this action could violate the First Amendment and punish people for their political beliefs.