U.S. President Donald Trump announced the designation of the far-left anarchist movement Antifa as a terrorist organization within the United States, a move prompted by the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10. Speaking late Wednesday night, Trump labeled Antifa a “leftist, radical, and sick catastrophe,” vowing to act forcefully against incitement targeting conservatives and Republicans following Kirk’s death.

The decision comes as social media platforms are flooded with reports of employees being fired for celebrating Kirk’s murder, reflecting a broader crackdown on divisive rhetoric. Trump’s announcement, made during a press briefing, aims to curb Antifa’s role in violent protests across the U.S. over the past decade, including those under the “defund the police” banner. He stated, “I would strongly recommend that those who fund Antifa be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and procedures.” This designation, a fulfillment of a 2019 promise, marks a significant escalation in the administration’s approach to domestic extremism, though critics question its legal and practical implications.