Trump Designates Antifa 'Terror Organisation' Days After Charlie Kirk Murder

US President Donald Trump on Thursday designated Antifa a 'major terrorist organisation', days after his close aide and right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated. “Antifa” is a shorthand term for “anti-fascist” used to describe diffuse far-left groups.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump warned those funding Antifa of a thorough investigation “in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.”

“I am pleased to inform our many USA Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANISATION. 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!” President Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Earlier this week, on Monday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said Charlie Kirk's final message to him called for a coordinated effort against unnamed left-wing groups accused of promoting violence, pledging the federal government would use "every available resource" to dismantle them.

Miller was speaking on "The Charlie Kirk Show" podcast hosted by Vice President JD Vance.

Vice President JD Vance hosted "The Charlie Kirk Show" podcast.

Over half a decade ago, in May 2020, President Trump had talked about classifying the loose-knit Antifa movement as a terrorist group.

The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2020

What Is Antifa?

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), nonprofit policy research organisation, describes 'Antifa' a "decentralised network of far-left militants that oppose what they believe are fascist, racist, or otherwise right-wing extremists."

One of the most common symbols used by Antifa combines the red flag of the 1917 Russian Revolution and the black flag of 19th century anarchists, according to the CSIS.

Antifa groups frequently conduct counter-protests to disrupt far-right gatherings and rallies. They are said to organise their activities through social media, encrypted peer-to-peer networks, and messaging services like Signal.

Charlie Kirk Assassination

Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. The shooter fled the crime scene moments after a single bullet pierced through the conservative activist's neck.

Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck.

President Trump announced the death on social media and praised Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organisation Turning Point USA, as "Great, and even Legendary."

Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested as in the murder of Kirk. As per the investigators, the Robinson blended into the campus crowd because of his college-age appearance. Utah Governor Spencer J Cox said the suspect had grown "more political" and was opposed to Kirk's beliefs.

Robinson confessed to committing the crime in a series of texts to his transgender partner after the shooting, according to court documents. "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out," he responded to his partner's question on why did he do it. Robinson had been planning it for "a bit over a week," he said.