- cross-posted to:
- news@lemmy.world
- cross-posted to:
- news@lemmy.world
President Donald Trump said he is designating the far-left anti-fascism movement Antifa as a terrorist organization, announcing the move on his Truth Social platform in the early hours of Thursday morning UK time.
It wasn’t immediately clear what mechanism Trump would use to make the designation, and Antifa lacks centralized structure or defined leadership, making it unclear who or what precisely would be targeted.
“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. “I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
A White House official told CNN, “This is just one of many actions the president will take to address left wing organizations that fuel political violence.”
Trump — who’s overseas for a formal state visit — signaled the move earlier this week in remarks from the Oval Office following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Not just Trump; the Dutch parliament has just accepted a motion to also declare Antifa a terrorist organization.
This is a country that was occupied by Nazis 80 years ago. People who fought in the resistance have always been considered heroes. And now they’re declared criminals. These parties are openly siding with the Nazis.
Mind you, we also had the AFA, Anti-Fascist Action 40 years ago, when they attacked a racist fringe political party with smoke bombs that ended up burning down a hotel, so declaring them terrorist would have made some sort of sense at the time, but they haven’t been heard of for the past 39 years.
It’s pure political posturing to side with Trump or create an excuse to arrest protesters who disagree with them.