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- According to a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) issued in September 2025, "Antifa" is not a monolithic organization but rather a diffuse movement.
- This broad definition encompasses a wide spectrum of activities, ranging from participation in protests - sometimes characterized as "riots" - to online actions like doxxing.
- The NSPM's definition extends beyond organized demonstrations.
Understanding “Antifa” as Defined by the U.S. Government
Table of Contents
Updated October 3, 2025, at 02:43:51 AM PDT
The elusive Definition of ”Antifa”
According to a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) issued in September 2025, “Antifa” is not a monolithic organization but rather a diffuse movement. The document describes it as existing simultaneously as “everything and nothing,” manifesting in diverse forms from online forums and in-person meetings to educational organizations and nonprofit institutions.
This broad definition encompasses a wide spectrum of activities, ranging from participation in protests – sometimes characterized as “riots” – to online actions like doxxing. The NSPM specifically cites examples including protests in Portland and Los Angeles, initially sparked by opposition to former President Trump’s immigration policies and later expanding to include protests against police brutality and broader “criminal justice” issues.
The NSPM’s definition extends beyond organized demonstrations. It includes actions like the doxxing of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents, even those who are masked and armed. A especially striking example cited involves the alleged actions of the individual accused of killing Charlie Kirk, where an unused bullet casing was reportedly found wiht markings referencing a video game button combination and a sexually explicit meme as reported by The Verge.
The government’s definition is intentionally expansive. “Antifa” can be a person throwing a brick at an ICE facility, or a grandmother holding a sign stating “DONALD TRUMP IS A FASCIST.” It encompasses slogans like “ACAB” (All Cops Are Bastards), “Fuck ICE,” and “No Kings.” It can also take the form of reading groups, teach-ins, or even Instagram campaigns soliciting mutual aid.
The Digital realm and Potential “Material Support”
The NSPM also highlights the role of technology in “Antifa” activities. The ICEBlock app, designed to track ICE vehicles, is specifically mentioned. The document raises the concern that app stores, by hosting such applications, could potentially be providing “material support for terrorism.”
Key Slogans and Ideologies Associated with “Antifa”
| Slogan | Meaning/Context |
|---|---|
| ACAB | All Cops Are bastards - a common anti-police slogan. |
| Fuck ICE | Expresses opposition to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and its policies. |
| No Kings | Rejects hierarchical power structures and advocates for a stateless society. |
Implications of the NSPM
The NSPM signals a heightened focus on groups and individuals perceived as threats to domestic security. While the document aims to counter domestic terrorism and organized political violence, its broad definition of “Antifa” could have far-reaching consequences for political activism and free speech. Further analysis is needed to determine the specific policies and enforcement actions that will result from this memorandum.