Trump designates Antifa as a ‘major terrorist organization’

President Trump announced Wednesday night that he is designating the radical left-wing protest group Antifa as a “major terrorist organization.”

Mr. Trump, in a Truth Social post wrote that he is “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,” the last part written in all capital letters.

He also said that the designation will result in other investigations.

“I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices,” he wrote.

It is unknown what kind of terrorist organization Mr. Trump would want to designate Antifa as.

Key types of terrorist organizations include Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), designated by the U.S. Secretary of State under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).

The Antifa movement is global but is not a single, unified organization. It is a decentralized collection of autonomous groups and individuals across the world.

While “domestic terrorism” is defined in federal statute, the term “domestic terrorist” is not used to officially label any group.

Mr. Trump was previously asked in the Oval Office whether he was willing to take such action and he said he “would do that 100% and others, also … but Antifa is terrible.”

The president’s remarks come in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Trump administration officials have vowed to use “every resource” available across the federal government to target left-wing organizations that they contend are promoting political violence.

Mr. Trump said the groups could face racketeering charges under the RICO Act, which allows prosecutors to target organized crime activities that arise from the existence of a criminal enterprise, such as a gang or corporation.

It’s typically used to target loan sharking, racketeering and gambling and such groups as the Mafia. The cases are often complex and lengthy but lead to severe penalties.

“I’ve been speaking to the attorney general about bringing RICO against some of the people that you’ve been reading about that have been putting up millions and millions of dollars for agitation,” the president said.

Mr. Trump last month called for billionaire George Soros and his son Alex to face federal racketeering charges, accusing them of supporting “violent protests.”

The Soroses have denied the claims.