The Dutch parliament has supported a motion from far-right opposition leader Geert Wilders calling for Antifa to be officially designated a terrorist organization.
Wilders’ proposal, adopted on Thursday, claims that Antifa groups operate in the Netherlands, threatening politicians, intimidating journalists and students, and disrupting public events.
The motion urges the Dutch government to follow the United States in expanding surveillance and law enforcement powers against Antifa. Ministers are now required to respond and decide whether to act on the parliament’s request.
Understanding Antifa
Antifa, short for “anti-fascist,” is generally seen by experts as a loose, decentralized protest movement, rather than a structured organization. This has raised questions about how a formal terrorist designation would be applied in practice.
Trump Weighs In
🚨 “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…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/irLHCkrX1n
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 18, 2025
On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform that Antifa would be designated a “major terrorist organisation” following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“I am pleased to inform our many USA Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,” Trump wrote.
Trump and his administration are citing the incident as justification to use federal power against what they claim is a vast left-wing network that funds and incites violence.
Controversial Moves and Reactions
Trump has also stated that the Justice Department would investigate George Soros for allegedly funding riots, while Attorney General Pam Bondi warned of action against those targeting others with hate speech. FCC chairman Brendan Carr threatened ABC over remarks by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, leading to his show being temporarily taken off the air.
Several Republican lawmakers have welcomed the actions, while critics warn they risk undermining civil liberties and may set a troubling precedent for free speech.
