Why Donald Trump Has Designated Antifa as a ‘Major Terrorist Organisation’

US President Donald Trump announced plans to label 'Antifa' as a "major terrorist organization." This term refers to various far-left groups opposing fascism. Trump has considered this move since his first term. He stated, "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."

Antifa is not a single entity but a network of militant groups opposing fascists and neo-Nazis. These groups often engage in protests and demonstrations against such ideologies. Due to its lack of formal structure or leadership, it remains unclear how the administration would classify it as a terrorist organization.

Understanding Antifa's Structure

The White House has yet to clarify how it plans to implement this classification. The absence of a centralised leadership makes it challenging to designate Antifa as a terrorist group. Former FBI director Christopher Wray noted in 2020 that Antifa is more of an ideology than an organisation.

Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology linked with ultranationalism and often associated with the far right. It typically features a dictatorial leader who uses military power to suppress opposition. Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini are two historical figures most commonly associated with fascism.

Historical Context of Fascism

Mussolini led Italy's National Fascist Party, symbolised by an eagle holding a fasces—a bundle of rods with an axe. Known as Il Duce, Mussolini was instrumental in shaping fascist ideology alongside Hitler in Germany.

Senator Bill Cassidy supported Trump's decision, stating: "Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all." In July 2019, Cassidy and Senator Ted Cruz introduced a Senate resolution condemning Antifa's violent acts and seeking its designation as a domestic terror organisation.