JUST IN: Marco Rubio Formally Designates Antifa As Foreign Terrorist Organization

In a sweeping national security move that marks the toughest federal action ever taken against the Antifa movement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Thursday that the United States is officially designating Antifa as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The decision elevates the federal government’s approach far beyond its previous domestic designation and unlocks powerful new tools to choke off Antifa’s funding pipelines, foreign support networks, and international coordination hubs.

The announcement came in a formal State Department press statement, where Rubio declared that Antifa groups operating in Germany, Italy, and Greece have been added to the government’s list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists, with full Foreign Terrorist Organization status taking effect on November 20.

“Today, building on President Trump’s historic commitment to confront Antifa’s campaign of political violence, the Department of State is designating German-based Antifa Ost, along with three other violent Antifa groups in Italy and Greece, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and intends to designate all four groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” Rubio announced.

“The designation of Antifa Ost and other violent Antifa groups supports President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, an initiative to disrupt self-described “anti-fascism” networks, entities, and organizations that use political violence and terroristic acts to undermine democratic institutions, constitutional rights, and fundamental liberties. 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.”

“The United States will continue using all available tools to protect our national security and public safety and will deny funding and resources to terrorists, including targeting other Antifa groups across the globe,” the statement finished.

By shifting Antifa into the same legal category as ISIS affiliates, Hamas branches, and foreign cartel militias, the Trump administration gains the ability to freeze assets, block international financial transfers, impose criminal penalties for providing material support, and work with allied governments to dismantle safe havens and recruitment hubs. Officials say the move will significantly strengthen intelligence sharing and international cooperation, especially in Europe where Antifa cells have operated with relative freedom.

Antifa gained national visibility around 2016–2017, as far-left groups strengthened their presence at political rallies in response to rising polarization and confrontations with conservative groups. Antifa has no national leadership or formal membership, but operates through local cells that coordinate mostly online. While supporters describe it as community-based resistance to fascism and hate groups, critics—including federal officials—argue that Antifa functions as a loosely connected network willing to use violence, intimidation, and property destruction for political ends.

For years, Antifa activists and affiliated groups have attempted to portray themselves as loose networks of anti fascist protestors. The Trump administration disputes that narrative, arguing that foreign Antifa cells serve as ideological and logistical incubators for domestic extremists who have carried out riots, assaults, firebombings, and coordinated attacks on police departments.

President Trump has repeatedly promised to dismantle Antifa’s operational structure, accusing the movement of waging political violence under the guise of activism. Rubio’s action marks the most aggressive fulfillment of that pledge yet.