Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt has posted a series of statements on social media regarding Antifa and its international connections. In his posts, Schmitt discusses the scope of Antifa's operations, recent executive actions by President Trump, and calls for further measures against the group.

On October 9, 2025, Schmitt wrote: "Across the globe, Antifa operations are sustained by by a web of international organizations, networks, and NGOs. Groups like the 'International Anti-Fascist Defence Fund' brag about bankrolling 800+ Antifa activists across 26 countries—including here in the United States."

In another post from the same day, he stated: "I stand ready to assist Secretary Rubio and President Trump in completing this designation and stopping this dangerous network once and for all. Read the full letter here: https://t.co/ZU8ZEZE8Hb"

He further commented on executive actions taken at the federal level: "President Trump’s recently Executive Order rightly labeled Antifa’s U.S. operations as domestic terrorism. But the broader international network driving Antifa violence—here in the U.S. and across the world—deserves the same treatment: An FTO designation."

Antifa is a loosely organized movement that opposes far-right ideologies through direct action tactics. While it does not have a centralized structure or official leadership, some groups associated with Antifa have received support from various organizations internationally.

The call for an FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization) designation would mark a significant escalation in how authorities treat groups linked to Antifa outside U.S. borders. Historically, such designations have been reserved for more structured entities with clear command hierarchies and international reach.

Senator Eric Schmitt represents Missouri in the United States Senate and has previously served as Missouri Attorney General.