Washington, DC [US], November 14 (HBTV): The United States has named four European groups linked to Antifa as specially designated global terrorists, expanding the Trump administration’s efforts to curb left-wing extremist organizations. The move places the groups under sanctions, with plans to list them as foreign terrorist organisations from November 20.
In a statement, the US State Department said it is ‘designating German-based Antifa Ost, along with three other violent Antifa groups in Italy and Greece, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and intends to designate all four groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, effective November 20, 2025’.
According to the announcement, these groups have been involved in violent attacks across Europe, often targeting government buildings, offices of right-wing political parties, or institutions they view as symbols of capitalism. Some have also claimed to act in solidarity with Palestinian movements.
The State Department warned that American citizens or businesses interacting with the designated groups may face sanctions risks. It stated that ‘persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with those designated today may expose themselves to sanctions risk’, adding that secondary sanctions may also apply under counterterrorism laws.
The department said the decision aligns with former President Donald Trump’s initiative to dismantle Antifa-linked networks. It noted that ‘the designation of Antifa Ost and other violent Antifa groups supports President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, an initiative to disrupt self-described “anti-fascism” networks, entities, and organisations that use political violence and terroristic acts to undermine democratic institutions, constitutional rights, and fundamental liberties’.
This action marks a continuation of Trump’s broader efforts to clamp down on antifa, which he has repeatedly accused of fuelling violent unrest in the United States. He has previously issued an executive order describing antifa as a domestic terrorist organisation.
According to the State Department, the terrorist designation will help ‘expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the US financial system and resources they need to carry out attacks’.
In September, Trump issued an executive order stating that he would designate the far-left, anti-fascist movement Antifa as a ‘major terrorist organisation’. His statement came days after the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
On his Truth Social account, Trump called Antifa a ‘sick, dangerous, radical left disaster’ and urged an investigation into individuals and organisations allegedly funding the movement. He wrote, ‘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. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.’
During his first term, Trump pledged to classify Antifa as a terrorist organisation. His Attorney General at the time, William Barr, described Antifa’s actions as ‘domestic terrorism’.
CNN has reported that the practical impact of the proposed designation remains uncertain, as Antifa is not a formal organisation but a loosely connected social movement. While US law prohibits providing material support to foreign terrorist groups, there is no equivalent legal mechanism for domestic organisations.
The term ‘Antifa’ generally refers to a broad range of individuals with left-leaning or far-left political beliefs, often outside the mainstream Democratic Party agenda. The movement does not have a centralised leadership structure or national headquarters, though some local groups meet regularly.
(ANI)