Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt announced on November 13, 2025, via his official X account that new Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designations would target international networks associated with Antifa. Schmitt credited Secretary Rubio and the State Department for these actions.

In his first post, Schmitt stated, "With these FTO designations, we are finally going to start targeting, disrupting and dismantling the far left's international terror architecture—and treating Antifa like the terrorist network it is. A huge step. Thank you to @SecRubio and the State Department for taking action." This message was posted on November 13, 2025.

He elaborated on the consequences of this designation in a subsequent tweet on the same day: "That means we can begin to cut off Antifa's access to the U.S. financial system; prosecute anyone who raises money, provides training, or coordinates with these groups; and put foreign governments and banks on notice: do business with them, and you’re risking U.S. sanctions."

Further clarifying what an FTO designation entails, Schmitt explained in another post dated November 13, 2025: "An FTO designation means:

• It’s a federal crime to provide these groups with “material support or resources.”

• Their assets in the U.S. are blocked.

• Their members, affiliates and even their supporters are barred from the U.S. and can be expelled if they're already here."

Foreign Terrorist Organization designations are made by the U.S. State Department under authority granted by federal law. Such designations allow for legal measures including freezing assets in the United States and criminalizing material support to listed entities.

The move comes amid ongoing debates over how best to address politically motivated violence within and outside U.S. borders. Senator Eric Schmitt serves as a member of Congress representing Missouri.