WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he plans to sign an executive order this week aimed at dismantling what he called “domestic terrorism networks.” He claims these networks are tied to left-wing groups that are inciting violence against conservatives.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The continuing violence from Radical Left Terrorists, in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, must be stopped. I will be signing an Executive Order this week to dismantle these Domestic Terrorism Networks.”
The announcement came the same day a gunman attacked an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas. One detainee was killed and two others were injured. ICE has been a key part of Trump’s immigration policies, which have faced strong criticism from Democrats and immigrant rights groups.
Trump and his allies have repeatedly suggested, without providing evidence, that the suspect involved in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is part of a broader, organized left-wing movement.
At the same time, Trump has largely dismissed concerns about violence from right-wing groups. He continues to argue that political violence in the U.S. mainly stems from the political left. However, many domestic terrorism experts say violence comes from both sides and that historically, more incidents have been connected to right-wing extremism.
Trump has said he spoke with Attorney General Pam Bondi about the possibility of using the RICO Act to prosecute these alleged groups. The RICO Act was originally designed to target organized crime operations.
Democratic leaders have expressed concern that the administration may be using the killing of Kirk as an excuse to clamp down on political opposition. Critics argue this move reflects a larger pattern of Trump targeting his political enemies, journalists, and those who speak out against him.
Earlier this week, Trump signed another executive order labeling the anti-fascist movement known as antifa a “domestic terrorist organization.” He also warned that those who fund the movement could face prosecution.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, antifa is not a formal group but a loosely organized, leaderless movement made up of individuals and small groups united by opposition to far-right ideologies.
