Trump’s Executive Order on Antifa: A Former Activist’s Perspective

Gabriel Nadales, a former Antifa activist, has responded to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order that designates Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. Speaking on “Fox & Friends First,” he emphasized that this action is long overdue, urging Congress to step in and help clarify its implications.

Nadales, who distanced himself from Antifa as his political views evolved, noted this order could allow various groups under the Antifa label to now be classified as domestic terrorists. He pointed out that while some might insist Antifa is merely an idea, it indeed represents a collective belief in political violence aimed at achieving specific goals. This, he argues, aligns with the very definition of terrorism.

On the implications of the designation, Nadales stated:

“If you regard Antifa simply as an idea, it essentially becomes an idea about launching terrorist attacks.” He added that Trump’s order categorizes Antifa as a militaristic and anarchistic organization, one that actively calls for the overthrow of the U.S. government and its legal systems.

Nadales elaborated that the group employs illegal strategies to incite violence and execute terrorist campaigns to further their objectives. He referred to Antifa as “anti-fascist,” claiming they oppose far-right extremism, but their tactics—such as wearing black and using intimidation—have come under scrutiny.

Reflecting on the consequences of labeling Antifa as domestic terrorists, Nadales mentioned two primary outcomes. First, it would aid law enforcement in tackling what he described as “terrorist cells.” Second, it could initiate a public relations campaign that challenges Antifa’s self-proclaimed identity as defenders against fascism.

He concluded by stating, “To oppose Antifa is to oppose political violence in any form, as some of its activists are, in fact, fostering terrorism and embodying fascist ideologies.”