US Attorney General Orders Law Enforcement to Investigate Antifa Groups for Tax Crimes
A memo obtained by The Guardian reveals that US Attorney General Pam Bondi has instructed law enforcement officials to investigate alleged domestic terror groups, with a specific focus on "tax crimes" committed by these organizations. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on left-wing groups.
The memo defines domestic terrorism as using violence or threats of violence to advance political and social agendas, including opposition to immigration enforcement, mass migration, and open borders. It also outlines radical ideologies such as anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and support for overthrowing the US government.
Bondi's directive instructs all law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to review their files for Antifa-related intelligence and information, with a 14-day deadline for coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The memo also suggests that the Trump administration is seeking to revoke the tax-exempt status of left-wing groups, potentially crippling their philanthropic efforts.
This move has sparked concerns among experts, who argue that Bondi does not have the authority to declare Antifa a domestic terrorism organization. The Trump administration's executive order on this matter was widely criticized as an overreach of executive power.
The memo also signals a shift in the justice department's priorities, with a focus on investigating and prosecuting "tax crimes" committed by extremist groups. This could lead to a crackdown on organizations that rely heavily on donations from individuals and foundations.
Bondi's directive comes amid efforts by the Trump administration to crack down on left-wing groups. In October, the administration filed terrorism charges against activists arrested during a protest in Texas. Last month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated four self-described anti-fascist groups in Europe as foreign terrorist organizations.
The move has raised concerns about the targeting of peaceful protests and the erosion of civil liberties. As one expert noted, "the definition of domestic terrorism is being stretched to its limits" by the Trump administration's efforts to demonize left-wing groups.
A memo obtained by The Guardian reveals that US Attorney General Pam Bondi has instructed law enforcement officials to investigate alleged domestic terror groups, with a specific focus on "tax crimes" committed by these organizations. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on left-wing groups.
The memo defines domestic terrorism as using violence or threats of violence to advance political and social agendas, including opposition to immigration enforcement, mass migration, and open borders. It also outlines radical ideologies such as anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and support for overthrowing the US government.
Bondi's directive instructs all law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to review their files for Antifa-related intelligence and information, with a 14-day deadline for coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The memo also suggests that the Trump administration is seeking to revoke the tax-exempt status of left-wing groups, potentially crippling their philanthropic efforts.
This move has sparked concerns among experts, who argue that Bondi does not have the authority to declare Antifa a domestic terrorism organization. The Trump administration's executive order on this matter was widely criticized as an overreach of executive power.
The memo also signals a shift in the justice department's priorities, with a focus on investigating and prosecuting "tax crimes" committed by extremist groups. This could lead to a crackdown on organizations that rely heavily on donations from individuals and foundations.
Bondi's directive comes amid efforts by the Trump administration to crack down on left-wing groups. In October, the administration filed terrorism charges against activists arrested during a protest in Texas. Last month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated four self-described anti-fascist groups in Europe as foreign terrorist organizations.
The move has raised concerns about the targeting of peaceful protests and the erosion of civil liberties. As one expert noted, "the definition of domestic terrorism is being stretched to its limits" by the Trump administration's efforts to demonize left-wing groups.