Trump Targets Left-Wing Groups After Charlie Kirk Killing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump has unveiled plans to crack down on left-wing groups, citing rising political violence after Charlie Kirk’s killing. His team is considering domestic terrorism designations, RICO charges, and tax reviews of liberal nonprofits. Critics argue it’s a politically driven move aimed at silencing dissent.
Trump Crackdown Plans Quick Looks
- Trump may label Antifa a domestic terror group.
- RICO charges and IRS action also being explored.
- Response follows Charlie Kirk’s killing in Utah.
- AG Pam Bondi says action targets hate speech “across the aisle.”
- Trump criticized for not lowering flags after Democrat’s assassination.
- Democrats say Trump is weaponizing government for political revenge.
- Stephen Miller claims left-wing groups are funding violence.
- Critics call the move a pretext to attack opposition.
Deep Look
Trump Prepares Crackdown on Left-Wing Groups, Citing Charlie Kirk’s Death
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is weighing several aggressive legal actions aimed at left-wing organizations in the wake of political commentator Charlie Kirk’s recent killing. His proposals include labeling Antifa a domestic terrorist group, exploring racketeering charges, and reviewing the tax-exempt status of liberal nonprofits.
When asked directly in the Oval Office whether he would consider designating Antifa—a loosely organized, leaderless anti-fascist movement—as a domestic terrorism group, Trump responded, “It’s something I would do, yeah.” He noted that any such designation would depend on support from his Cabinet and the Justice Department.
Though it’s unclear how such a designation would be implemented—given the lack of structure or membership in groups like Antifa—the announcement signals Trump’s intent to take a hardline stance against political opponents, particularly in the wake of Kirk’s assassination.
Legal Options Under Review
Sources familiar with internal discussions say Trump and his advisers are exploring a range of options, including:
- Applying RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) laws to left-wing activists
- Revoking tax-exempt status for liberal nonprofits accused of political activity
- Pursuing criminal charges against individuals or groups allegedly inciting or funding violence
Trump’s Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has reportedly been tasked with investigating how far these efforts can legally go. Speaking to former Musk adviser Katie Miller on her podcast, Bondi stated, “We will absolutely target you, go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech, anything, and that’s across the aisle.”
Political Motivations Questioned
While Trump and his advisers frame these actions as a necessary response to rising political violence, critics argue the initiatives are largely politically motivated. The administration has yet to present concrete evidence linking Kirk’s accused killer—22-year-old Tyler Robinson—to any organized group or financial backers.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the shooter as someone influenced by “leftist ideology,” but a definitive motive has not been released.
Even so, Trump has remained unwavering in his message. “Antifa is terrible. There are other groups,” he said. “We have some pretty radical groups, and they got away with murder,” he added, without elaborating or offering specifics.
Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller echoed this sentiment, accusing Black Lives Matter demonstrations and other activist groups of being part of a “network of organizations” responsible for riots and unrest. “Somebody is paying for all of this,” Miller said. “And they will now be criminally liable.”
Comparisons and Criticism
The contrast between Trump’s response to Kirk’s killing and his reaction to the earlier assassination of Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman has drawn sharp criticism. Trump immediately ordered flags flown at half-staff for Kirk but did not do the same following the death of Hortman and her husband in what Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called a “politically motivated assassination.”
Pressed on this inconsistency, Trump claimed he wasn’t asked by Walz. “I would have done that, but the governor of Minnesota didn’t ask me,” he said. He further dismissed any need for direct condolences, saying, “Why waste time?”
A spokesperson for Governor Walz responded, “Governor Walz wishes that President Trump would be a President for all Americans.”
State Visit Abroad, Focus at Home
Trump’s crackdown initiative coincides with his three-day state visit to the United Kingdom. While he is abroad, his administration plans to continue internal reviews and discussions, with an announcement of new policy actions expected upon his return. Trump is scheduled to speak at a memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Arizona this Sunday.
In the days since Kirk’s killing, members of Trump’s administration have repeatedly claimed that liberal groups are organizing, funding, and inciting violence against conservatives. However, the administration has yet to release any verifiable evidence to support those claims.
Bondi’s comments on “hate speech across the aisle” hint at a broader, possibly bipartisan framework for enforcement. But so far, the public narrative and official targets have largely centered on left-wing organizations and individuals.
Democratic Pushback
Democrats have blasted the administration’s response as a pretext to silence dissent. They warn that invoking terrorism designations and racketeering laws against vaguely defined political movements could set a dangerous precedent.
Legal analysts also question how Trump would enforce a terrorism designation against a movement like Antifa, which has no formal structure, leaders, or centralized operations.
“This is about more than enforcement—it’s about optics and political pressure,” said one former DOJ official. “Labeling your political opponents as terrorists without evidence is a serious abuse of power.”
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