The executive order describes Antifa as what the White House calls “a militarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of law.” The designation states that the group uses “illegal means” to carry out “violence and terrorism nationwide” to achieve its goals.

According to the White House statement, the designation allows federal law enforcement to “utilize all applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all illegal operations” associated with groups or individuals claiming to act on behalf of Antifa.

The White House fact sheet accompanying the designation cited what it described as “coordinate efforts” to obstruct federal law enforcement, particularly immigration enforcement operations, through “organized riots” and “violent assaults.” The document also mentioned concerns about doxxing that has reportedly led some immigration officials to mask their faces for protection.

During the September 15 Oval Office event, President Trump indicated he was considering designating other groups as well, though he did not specify which organizations. He mentioned discussing with Attorney General Pam Bondi the possibility of bringing federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges against some organizations and their financial supporters.

The Department of Justice had previously, in May 2020, characterized certain activities attributed to Antifa as “domestic terrorism,” with then-Attorney General William Barr stating that “violence instigated and carried out by Antifa and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly.”