US President Donald Trump has once again vowed to designate Antifa as a “major terrorist organization,” citing concerns about the group’s activities both in the United States. The group can regularly be seen in Southampton at various protests.
Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared: “I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.”
Antifa, short for “anti-fascist,” is an umbrella term for loosely connected far-left activist groups that oppose neo-Nazis and white supremacists, sometimes through confrontational tactics. The movement has no central leadership or structure, and has often been the subject of controversy in the US, where Trump has blamed it for violence at protests and even for instigating the January 6th Capitol riot—a claim that has been widely disputed.
Trump’s latest comments follow similar threats he made during his first term. Legally, US presidents lack the authority to formally designate domestic groups as terrorist organizations—a power reserved for foreign entities—but Trump’s statements have nevertheless sparked debate about the role and tactics of Antifa.
In Southampton, Antifa-affiliated activists have regularly appeared at demonstrations around the city. During a past UK Independence Party event at Bargate, masked members of Antifa stood alongside the Stand Up To Racism group. According to the Southampton Daily Echo, “a scuffle broke out after masked members of Antifa—a left-wing anti-fascist and anti-racist political movement—approached. But police confirmed no arrests were made.”
Antifa activists have also been present at protests outside the Highfield Hotel, with footage posted online showing masked members having confrontations with police and an incident in which a YouTuber was apparently accosted while attending a demonstration. The YouTuber was attacked on Abbotts Way in Southampton as he attempted to walk to join the protest. Footage posted online shows the YouTuber, being confronted and struck by a group of masked hooligans as he made his way to the protest site. Videos show several people rushing towards Laudits and making physical contact before police are forced to intervene for his safety.
Watch the video of YouTube Laudits being accosted by Antifa members in Southampton:
