The US State Department announced on Thursday that it will designate four European anti-fascist groups as Foreign Terrorist Organisations. The move is part of President Donald Trump’s plan to expand his campaign against what he describes as rising “leftist violence” across the world.

The department named four groups: Antifa Ost in Germany, the International Revolutionary Front in Italy, and two Greek organisations, Armed Proletarian Justice and Revolutionary Class Self Defence.

It said these groups are “Specially Designated Global Terrorists … conspiring to undermine the foundations of Western Civilisation through their brutal attacks”.

First time US targets anti-fascist groups

This is the first time the US has given anti-fascist groups a terrorist label. The designation allows American agencies to take tougher action against them. It also opens the door for federal authorities to investigate people in the US who support these groups.

The label lets federal officials use surveillance tools and financial tracking measures inside the US.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “Groups affiliated with this movement ascribe to revolutionary anarchist or Marxist ideologies, including anti-Americanism, ‘anti-capitalism’ and anti-Christianity, using these to incite and justify violent assaults domestically and overseas.”

Administration cites violent incidents

The Trump administration listed several incidents, including homemade bombs, shootings, and hammer attacks. It said these violent acts justified the designation.
Under the new rules, any financial help to these groups or their members becomes a “criminal act” in the United States.

Trump intensifies fight against leftist organisations

The administration has repeatedly blamed leftist groups for violent clashes in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.
Its anger grew after the killing of right-wing youth activist Charlie Kirk.

Trump first targeted antifa in a September executive order. That order declared “antifa” a “domestic terrorist organisation”.

Experts raise concerns

National security experts warned that the label is difficult to apply. They said antifa has no clear leaders or formal membership.
They also noted that antifa is a loose movement, not a structured organisation.

The European groups named in the US announcement have not yet responded to the sanctions.