Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt posted a series of tweets on October 9, 2025, addressing concerns about Antifa's international activities and urging the U.S. government to designate its networks as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

In his first tweet, Schmitt stated, "Today, I sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to designate the international Antifa networks as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Antifa isn’t just a domestic threat. It’s part of a global system of violent far-left extremists." This message was posted on October 9, 2025.

In a subsequent post on the same day, Schmitt referenced former President Donald Trump's stance on the issue: "President Trump has made it clear that Antifa should be treated as the terrorist threat it is. Yesterday, he reaffirmed his intent to dismantle the group's international network—and said he wanted to see it designated as an FTO. 'Let’s get it done.'"

Schmitt also cited a 2023 incident in Atlanta as an example of alleged international coordination by Antifa members: "In 2023, for example, authorities found that the Antifa militants driving the 'Stop Cop City' riots in Atlanta were part of an 'international group'—traveling from France, Canada, and other foreign nations to attack police, hurl Molotov cocktails, and engage in violent sabotage."

Antifa is known as a loosely organized anti-fascist movement with no central leadership structure. The designation of organizations or networks as Foreign Terrorist Organizations falls under the authority of the U.S. Secretary of State. The process involves legal and intelligence assessments before any official action can be taken.

The "Stop Cop City" protests referenced by Schmitt refer to demonstrations against a planned police training facility in Atlanta. These protests have drawn both local activists and some individuals from outside Georgia; however, there is ongoing debate regarding the extent and nature of any international involvement.