President Trump said on Monday that he is willing to view Antifa and other left-wing groups as domestic terrorist groups.
“Yes, if I get people’s support, this is what I’m going to do, yes,” Mr. Trump said.
“I’ll do it, but there’s a way. But Antifa is terrible,” Mr. Trump said. “There are other groups. We have some very radical groups that escaped the murder.”
The president’s remarks have aroused anger after the assassination of Conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump administration officials have vowed to use the “every resource” available throughout the federal government to target what they think is the left-wing organization, which they believe is promoting political violence.
The law enforcement agencies investigating Mr Kirk’s killing said the suspect Tyler Robinson had a “leftist ideology” and had become increasingly politicized in recent years. However, he has not been associated with any particular left-wing organization, nor has the authorities provided more details about his political views.
Authorities revealed that the bullet casing used by Mr. Robinson in Mr. Kirk’s murder had politically charged information engraved. These inscriptions are related to internet memes about anti-fascist symbolism and raise questions about the influence of Antifa, which is a loose movement related to the opposition to fascism.
Mr Trump said the groups could face charges of extortion under the RICO Act, which allows prosecutors to target organized crime activities generated by criminal businesses, such as gangs or companies. It is commonly used to target sharks, rackets and gambling. These cases are often complex and lengthy, but can lead to serious penalties.
“I’ve been talking to the Attorney General to bring Rico to some of the people you read about someone you’ve paid millions of dollars incitement,” the president said.
Trump last month called on billionaire George Soros and his son Alex to face federal blackmail allegations, accusing them of supporting “violent protests.” They denied the claim.
White House Vice President JD Vance and Stephen Miller discussed plans to “follow” left-wing NGOs or NGOs on Monday. They said the groups supported the “Doxxing” campaign against conservatives, helping to plan riots, publicize political opponents’ addresses and spread information designed to create violence.
The two discussed the plan, and Mr. Vance Guest hosted Mr. Kirk’s podcast in homage to his murdered friend.
Mr Miller said the left-wing violence was a “giant domestic terror movement” and vowed to use the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and elsewhere to use “every resource” to “identify, destroy, demolish, demolish and destroy” the network.
