Climate Activists Claim Escalating FBI Surveillance Under Trump Administration

Extinction Rebellion says its members have faced increased scrutiny and home visits from federal agents in recent years.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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According to a New York Times investigation and statements from the environmental group Extinction Rebellion, the Trump administration has escalated its surveillance and scrutiny of climate activists, including home visits from FBI counterterrorism agents. Extinction Rebellion says its members have faced increased attention from federal authorities, including visits to activists' homes, in what the group describes as an effort to "crackdown on dissent" and "appease the multi-trillion-dollar fossil fuel industry."

Why it matters

The reported increase in federal monitoring of climate activist groups like Extinction Rebellion raises concerns about the Trump administration's approach to dissent and environmental protest. Critics argue the administration is using law enforcement resources to target peaceful demonstrators rather than addressing the underlying issues of climate change and environmental degradation.

The details

In one incident, a former member of Extinction Rebellion's New York City chapter was recently visited at his home by two FBI counterterrorism agents who said they wanted to talk about the group. The man, described as a "middle-aged" resident living 200 miles north of New York City, declined to answer their questions. This followed a previous incident where an FBI agent called and texted the man, saying she was standing outside his home (though she was actually at his old address). Extinction Rebellion says this "door knock marks a significant escalation" and suggests the FBI is starting an investigation into the group's activities.

  • On March 14, 2024, Extinction Rebellion activists disrupted a Broadway performance of "An Enemy of the People."
  • On March 6, 2025, FBI agents and Massachusetts State Troopers visited six Extinction Rebellion activists in Boston.
  • Two weeks ago, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into the group Climate Defiance for a peaceful protest.

The players

Extinction Rebellion

A global environmental group that has staged disruptive protests to call attention to climate change, including at Broadway theaters, golf tournaments, and museums.

Jeremy Strong

An actor who was performing in the Broadway production of "An Enemy of the People" when it was disrupted by Extinction Rebellion activists.

Michael Imperioli

An actor who was also performing in the Broadway production of "An Enemy of the People" when it was disrupted by Extinction Rebellion activists.

Ronald L. Kuby

The lawyer representing the former Extinction Rebellion member who was visited by FBI agents at his home.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States during the time period described in the article, whose administration is accused of escalating surveillance and scrutiny of climate activist groups.

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What they’re saying

“This door knock marks a significant escalation. The fact that they went to the wrong address of a member who has not been active suggests that they are starting an investigation. They are digging.”

— Ronald L. Kuby, Lawyer (The New York Times)

“We are not terrorists!...This is an escalation against the climate movement as a whole, and the next phase of this administration's crackdown on dissent that many of us have been expecting. Trump is weaponizing the DOJ to attack peaceful protesters in order to appease the multi-trillion-dollar fossil fuel industry that got him elected.”

— Extinction Rebellion Global (Extinction Rebellion Global statement)

“Tonight was wild....no hard feelings extinction rebellion crew. michael is on your side but mayor stockmann is not. much love. m @anenemyplay @extinctionrebellion.”

— Michael Imperioli, Actor (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case involving the former Extinction Rebellion member visited by the FBI will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the man out on bail.

The takeaway

The reported escalation in federal scrutiny of climate activist groups like Extinction Rebellion under the Trump administration raises concerns about the government's approach to dissent and environmental protest. Critics argue the administration is misusing law enforcement resources to target peaceful demonstrators rather than addressing the urgent issue of climate change.