From The Hill

An FBI official on Thursday struggled to answer basic questions about the structure of antifa after President Trump designated the group as a domestic terrorist organization, prompting a top Democrat to say the bureau failed to “prove” it merits the label.

A portmanteau for anti-fascist, experts say antifa is an ideology, not a group, making it an odd fit for a designation that is most-often used to target foreign organizations with a clear structure and financial backing.

That has prompted critics to argue Trump made the designation to target those protesting his administration. 

Michael Glasheen, a longtime FBI agent serving as operations director of the National Security Branch, said at a hearing that he agreed with Trump that antifa is one of the greatest national security threats facing the U.S.

“We share the same view. When you look at the data right now, you look at the domestic terrorist threat that we’re facing right now, what I see from my position, is that’s the most immediate violent threat that we’re facing on the domestic side,” Glasheen said during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.”

But faced with questions from Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the ranking member of the committee, Glasheen was unable to provide many details about the structure of antifa.

Thompson asked where the group was headquartered, and then when Glasheen hesitated asked, “Where in the United States does antifa exist?”

“We are building out the infrastructure right now,” Glasheen said.

“What does that mean?” Thompson asked. “We’re trying to get information. You said antifa is a terrorist organization. Tell us, as a committee, how did you come to that? Do they exist? How many members do they have in the United States as of right now?”

“Well, that’s very fluid,” Glasheen said.

“Sir, I just want you to tell us — if you said antifa is the No. 1 domestic terrorist organization operating in the United States, I just need to know where they are … how many people have you identified with the FBI that antifa is made of,” Thompson asked.

“Well the investigations are active,” Glasheen responded.

Thompson suggested the FBI had failed to establish why those opposed to fascism deserved to be labeled as domestic terrorists.

“Sir, you wouldn’t come to this committee and say something you can’t prove. I know you wouldn’t do that,” Thompson said, “but you did.”

The Trump administration has taken additional actions since the president designated the group a domestic terrorist organization.

recent memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi listed potential statutes that could be used to combat domestic terrorism and political violence. However the memo cites only antifa as an example and lists its opposition to issues favored by the Trump administration.

Comments

CalvinSmith Fri, 12/12/2025 - 18:10

Typical normal news shit.

See any anteefuhs in YOUR neighborhood? Report them today!

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