U.S. Department of Justice Targets Domestic Terrorism with New Memo

A recently leaked memo from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi outlines a directive for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to compile a list of organizations deemed potential "domestic terrorism" threats. This memo expands upon National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), signed by President Donald Trump in September 2020, which called for a national strategy to investigate and disrupt entities that incite political violence. The memo specifically identifies groups that promote extreme viewpoints on immigration, radical gender ideology, and anti-American sentiment as targets for law enforcement scrutiny.

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The Bondi memo instructs law enforcement agencies to refer suspected domestic terrorism cases to the Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) for comprehensive investigations. It emphasizes the need to identify all participants in domestic terrorism activities, including organizers and financial backers. The memo characterizes the "domestic terrorism threat" as organizations that utilize violence or the threat of violence to achieve political goals, including opposition to immigration enforcement and support for radical ideologies.

Common Dreams

While the memo broadly addresses domestic terrorism, it notably cites "antifa" as a primary example. Critics argue that antifa is not a structured group but rather an ideological movement. The memo's focus on antifa has raised concerns about potential legal actions against various left-leaning advocacy groups and nonprofits, which the Trump administration has previously accused of extremist ties without substantial evidence. Bondi's memo suggests using a range of legal statutes, including conspiracy charges and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) charges, to pursue these groups.

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In her memo, Bondi stated, “President Trump directed the federal government to implement a focused strategy to root out all culpable participants—including organizers and funders—in all domestic terrorism activities.” This directive aligns with the administration's broader strategy to combat perceived threats from leftist movements. Critics, including journalist Ken Klippenstein, have expressed concern that this initiative marks the beginning of a new "war on terrorism," potentially targeting millions of Americans.

Common Dreams

The memo has faced criticism for its vague definitions and potential overreach. Experts have pointed out that labeling antifa as a domestic terror group could lead to the unjust targeting of individuals and organizations based on ideological beliefs rather than concrete actions. The focus on a singular ideology diverges from previous practices of categorizing groups based on their motivations, raising alarms about the politicization of domestic terrorism investigations.

The Hill

There is a notable discrepancy in how different sources interpret the implications of the Bondi memo. While some view it as a necessary step to address political violence, others see it as a dangerous precedent that could infringe on civil liberties. The lack of clarity regarding which organizations will be targeted and the criteria for their classification as domestic terrorists remains a significant gap in the current discourse.

Common Dreams

• “With God as my witness, we are going to use every resource we have at the Department of Justice, Homeland Security and throughout this government to identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy these networks and make America safe again for the American people,” — Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff

The Hill

• “Violence against what extremists claim to be fascism is the clarion call of recent domestic terrorism,” — Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General

The Hill