The Take Why is Trump targeting antifa under terrorism laws?
Oct 22, 2025
Jason Blazakis, a professor and director at the Center on Terrorism, discusses the U.S. charging two alleged antifa members with terrorism. He highlights the thin evidence linking suspects to a coherent group and critiques Trump's executive order, emphasizing its symbolic nature and potential risks to free speech. Blazakis warns that labeling movements as terrorist can threaten civil liberties and examines the political motivations behind such designations. He also reflects on the evolving nature of terrorism labels and their historical context.
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Weak Evidence Tying Attackers To Antifa
- Prosecutors labeled two men as part of a "North Texas Antifa cell" despite little concrete evidence linking them to an organized group.
- Jason Blazakis argues Antifa is an ideology, not a cohesive organization, making such labeling legally and factually tenuous.
Anti-Fascism ≠ Coordinated Violence
- Antifa literally means anti-fascism, but opposition to fascism does not imply a propensity for violence.
- Blazakis notes the indictment mainly shows individuals "against the police," not proof of an organized Antifa conspiracy.
Executive Order Is Symbolic But Dangerous
- The president's executive order calling Antifa a domestic terrorist organization is largely symbolic and lacks the legal mechanism to formally designate domestic groups.
- Blazakis warns such rhetorical labeling can expand prosecutorial reach and threaten civil liberties.