In a new escalation of his administration’s crackdown on violent political movements, former President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered federal authorities to dismantle Antifa-linked networks across the United States — a move that has prompted several high-profile figures associated with the movement to flee the country or plan their departure, according to recent reports.
Federal Pressure Intensifies
The development follows Trump’s public declaration labeling Antifa as a domestic terrorist threat. In remarks made earlier this week during a roundtable discussion with independent journalists at the White House, Trump vowed to “take down the infrastructure of domestic terrorism operating under the Antifa banner.”
He described the movement as “a coordinated international extremist network” and claimed that its activities had escalated from protests to “organized political violence targeting American cities, institutions, and individuals.”
Federal agencies have reportedly been directed to pursue an “aggressive dismantling” of suspected Antifa-linked funding sources, communication channels, and leadership structures — including those operating online and abroad.
The Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security have not officially confirmed the scope of the effort, though sources cited in multiple outlets suggested that investigations could lead to terrorism-related prosecutions under existing federal law.
Mark Bray Announces Departure to Europe
Among the most notable figures reportedly preparing to leave the United States is Mark Bray, a Rutgers University professor and author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook. Bray has long been regarded as one of the intellectual architects of modern Antifa organizing, often cited by critics and supporters alike for his academic defense of militant anti-fascism.
In a post on the social media platform Bluesky, Bray announced his plans to relocate to Europe — “preferably Spain,” he wrote — citing concerns for his personal safety following Trump’s announcement.
“Only mass antifascism, legal or not, can save us,” Bray wrote in what many interpreted as both a farewell and a call to resist the government’s campaign.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, Bray reportedly intends to continue teaching online courses on “The History of Antifascism” and “Terrorism and Counterterrorism,” though students at Rutgers have circulated petitions demanding his dismissal.
One petition on Change.org, which has gathered several thousand signatures, accuses Bray of “advocating political violence” and “abusing his position as an educator to legitimize extremist ideology.”
Antifa International Halts Donations
Reports indicate that Antifa International, a global fundraising network associated with supporting anti-fascist groups, has temporarily suspended its online donation systems “to protect donors and recipients.”
The organization, which has historically used American platforms such as Patreon, FundRazr, and Action Network, stated in a public notice that it would be relocating its operational base in response to the federal crackdown.
According to archived financial disclosures and statements from former members, Antifa International’s funds have been used not only for bail assistance but also for “emergency relocations” and purchasing protest gear.
The group’s announcement did not specify where it plans to move its operations, but observers suggest it could shift its fundraising headquarters to Europe or Canada, where several affiliated chapters already exist.
Funding and Academic Ties Under Scrutiny
Half of the royalties from Bray’s Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook are reportedly donated to Antifa International, which distributes the funds among dozens of local chapters, including Atlanta Antifascists and Central Oregon Anti-Fascist Action.
University administrators have declined to comment on the issue, but critics within Rutgers have expressed alarm at Bray’s continuing involvement with groups under federal investigation.
“Dr. Bray has every right to express his political beliefs, but the open promotion of violent tactics under the guise of scholarship crosses a line,” said one faculty member, speaking anonymously to protect their position.
Bray, for his part, has defended his work as “historical analysis and advocacy for community defense against authoritarianism.”
Trump’s Broader Strategy
Trump’s push to designate Antifa as a foreign terrorist organization marks a significant escalation in his rhetoric and policy stance against the movement.
Such a designation would allow the federal government to freeze assets, restrict travel, and prosecute supporters under counterterrorism laws — steps typically reserved for international extremist groups.
Legal experts remain divided on whether the move is constitutionally viable. Civil liberties organizations, including the ACLU, have argued that “Antifa” is not a formal organization but a loose network of activists, making such a designation difficult to enforce.
Still, Trump’s allies argue that a coordinated legal strategy could disrupt the funding channels and communication systems that sustain Antifa’s activities across the U.S.
“The president has made it clear that domestic terrorism, whether from the far left or far right, will not be tolerated,” said a senior administration official familiar with the directive. “What we’re seeing is a crackdown on those who incite or engage in organized violence — no matter what they call themselves.”
Reaction from the Left and Right
Reaction to Trump’s comments and the reported Antifa departures has been sharply divided.
Conservative commentators hailed the move as a long-overdue step toward restoring law and order, especially after years of urban unrest linked to far-left demonstrations.
“Antifa has operated with impunity for too long,” said political analyst Jack Posobiec, who attended the White House briefing. “The fact that its leaders are now fleeing tells you everything you need to know.”
Meanwhile, progressive activists and academics condemned what they described as a politically motivated crackdown designed to silence dissent.
“This administration is criminalizing opposition,” said one Antifa-aligned spokesperson in Portland. “They’re targeting activists under the pretext of national security. It’s authoritarianism in action.”
Human rights organizations have also expressed concern that labeling domestic activists as terrorists could set a precedent for future administrations to suppress political movements of all kinds.
A Movement in Disarray
Within the Antifa network, insiders describe a growing sense of fear and disorganization. Communication channels on encrypted platforms such as Signal and Matrix have reportedly been purged in recent days, and local chapters have temporarily suspended public events.
One organizer, speaking anonymously through an intermediary, said that many activists are “going underground” or leaving the country altogether to avoid federal scrutiny.
“There’s panic in every chat room,” the source said. “People are deleting accounts, destroying phones, and trying to get out before arrests start.”
Though there have been no confirmed federal arrests linked to Trump’s new directive, law enforcement agencies have reportedly been conducting surveillance on known Antifa affiliates in multiple cities.
Uncertain Future
Whether Trump’s efforts will ultimately dismantle Antifa networks remains to be seen. Experts caution that the movement’s decentralized structure makes it difficult to eliminate through traditional law enforcement measures.
“Antifa isn’t an organization with leaders or membership lists,” said political sociologist Dr. Karen Green of Georgetown University. “It’s an idea — a loose affiliation of activists who share similar goals but operate independently. You can’t simply arrest an idea.”
Still, the departure of figures like Bray and the disruption of Antifa International’s funding streams represent a major blow to the movement’s visibility and operations.
As Bray departs for Europe, he leaves behind a legacy that remains as divisive as ever — hailed by supporters as a defender against fascism, and condemned by opponents as a theorist of extremism.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration shows no signs of backing down. “This is only the beginning,” he told reporters after the announcement. “We’re taking back our streets from violent radicals, and we’re going to finish the job.”