FBI Director Says Bureau Uncovered Antifa Funding Sources

Agents are investigating whether funding was sent through U.S. nonprofits with tax-exempt status.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the bureau has uncovered funding sources tied to antifa organizations, suggesting more enforcement actions could be taken. Patel said the FBI is 'following the money' and looking into whether funding was sent through U.S.-based nonprofit groups, some of which may have had tax-exempt status. The FBI is also evaluating potential foreign funding streams linked to violence committed by alleged antifa members.

Why it matters

This case highlights the FBI's efforts to disrupt antifa's funding sources, which the Trump administration had previously designated as a domestic terrorist group. The investigation into nonprofit groups and foreign funding could lead to further charges and crackdowns on antifa's operations.

The details

Patel said the FBI is 'finding them and those who fund their criminal activity.' Agents are looking at whether funding was sent through U.S.-based nonprofit groups and whether any of those nonprofits had tax-exempt status. They're also evaluating potential foreign funding streams. Patel stated that 'money doesn't lie' and the FBI is 'starting to arrest people who used their funds to incite violence in the guise of political peaceful protest.'

  • In September 2025, the Trump administration designated antifa as a domestic terrorist group.
  • In November 2025, the administration also designated foreign antifa groups as foreign terrorist organizations.
  • In October 2025, federal officials targeted antifa and filed terrorism charges against five people in Texas.
  • In November 2025, the five defendants pleaded guilty to charges of supporting antifa in a July shooting that wounded a police officer.

The players

Kash Patel

The current FBI Director who stated that the bureau has uncovered funding sources tied to antifa organizations.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who designated antifa as a domestic terrorist group in 2025.

Dan Bongino

The former FBI deputy director who interviewed Patel on his podcast.

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What they’re saying

“Whether it's antifa or any other violent criminal organization—we know their operations don't exist alone; they operate with heavy funding streams.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (X)

“Money doesn't lie. We're following the money and we're starting to arrest people who used their funds to incite violence in the guise of political peaceful protest.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (Fox News)

What’s next

The FBI is expected to continue its investigation into antifa's funding sources, which could lead to more arrests and charges against individuals or organizations providing financial support to the group.

The takeaway

This case highlights the FBI's efforts to disrupt antifa's operations by targeting its funding sources, which the Trump administration had previously designated as a domestic terrorist threat. The investigation into nonprofit groups and foreign funding could lead to further crackdowns on antifa's activities.