The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: Tom Brzozowski on Domestic Terrorism Investigations and Prosecutions
Dec 30, 2025
In a revealing conversation, Tom Brzozowski, a former DOJ official with expertise in domestic terrorism, joins host Michael Feinberg. They explore the recent changes in domestic terrorism investigations and what they mean for American civil liberties. Tom argues that Antifa is not a sophisticated organization but a loose ideological label. He cautions about the risks of expanding surveillance through vague definitions, illustrating historical parallels to past abuses. Their discussion highlights the potential implications for protesters and broader societal compliance.
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Antifa Is A Diffuse Ideology, Not A Network
- Antifa lacks the hierarchical structure typical of groups like al-Qaeda or ISIS.
- Tom Brzozowski warns Antifa is a diffuse ideological label, not a coherent network.
Policy Moves Create A Global Antifa Narrative
- The administration layered an EO, NSPM-7, and foreign designations to frame Antifa as both domestic and international.
- Brzozowski says that combination creates an impression of an international Antifa conspiracy despite weak links.
Foreign Designations Expand Surveillance Tools
- Designating overseas groups can open FISA and other foreign-intelligence investigative avenues.
- Brzozowski warns those designations widen the aperture for U.S. surveillance and investigative authorities.