Over a month after President Donald Trump officially designated Antifa a domestic terror organization, Republican senators have introduced legislation to make that designation permanent. The “Stop ANTIFA Act,” backed by Sens. Ashley Moody (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Mike Lee (R-UT), would direct the National Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate Antifa’s operations and influence nationwide.
The bill mirrors Trump’s executive order, issued following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a spike in left-wing violence. The order described Antifa as a “militarist, anarchist enterprise” dedicated to the overthrow of the federal government, with law enforcement officers among its primary targets.
According to the order, Antifa’s tactics include armed standoffs, organized riots, assaults on ICE and other law enforcement agencies, and online doxing campaigns against political opponents. It also alleges that Antifa recruits young Americans, trains them in political violence, and works with other groups to suppress lawful political speech through threats and coercion—behaviors the Trump administration classified as domestic terrorism.
Sen. Moody, echoing the executive order, said in a statement, “Violent extremists who target our law enforcement officers and destroy our communities must be held accountable. It’s far past time to designate Antifa a terrorist organization.”
President Trump reaffirmed his stance during an Antifa roundtable at the White House on October 8, saying he was open to further action. When asked if he would designate Antifa a foreign terror organization as well, he replied, “Let’s get it done,” instructing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take the necessary steps. As of now, that foreign designation has not been finalized.
The proposed legislation reflects increasing momentum among Republican lawmakers to crack down on left-wing political violence and ensure federal authorities have the tools to dismantle radical networks threatening law and order.
