U.S. Pushes Allies to Target Far-Left Groups

The Trump administration has made countering antifa and other far-left groups a counterterrorism priority.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:03pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting in shades of blue, gray, and red depicting a shadowy, indistinct figure, representing the far-left movement being targeted by the U.S. government's counterterrorism initiatives.As the U.S. government targets far-left groups in its counterterrorism efforts, the move raises concerns about politicizing national security.NYC Today

The Trump administration has made far-left groups a target of its global counterterrorism efforts, despite increasing threats from the Middle East. The State Department is working with international partners to counter 'antifa-aligned terrorism,' including by targeting the finances and travel of violent leftist groups. However, some U.S. officials are worried the focus on the far left is politicizing counterterrorism.

Why it matters

This shift in U.S. counterterrorism strategy represents a change in focus from traditional Middle Eastern threats to domestic far-left groups, despite a lack of evidence that these groups directly target Americans. Some officials are concerned this move could undermine broader counterterrorism efforts.

The details

The Trump administration has pushed ahead with this initiative, even in the face of hesitation from U.S. allies. Monica A. Jacobsen, a top State Department counterterrorism official, called on her counterparts from Europe, Canada and Australia last month to join the U.S. fight against far-left groups.

  • Last month, Jacobsen called on international counterparts to join the U.S. fight against far-left groups.

The players

Monica A. Jacobsen

A top State Department counterterrorism official who called on international partners to join the U.S. fight against far-left groups.

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The takeaway

This shift in U.S. counterterrorism strategy raises concerns about the politicization of national security efforts, as the administration focuses on domestic far-left groups despite a lack of evidence that they directly threaten Americans, even as more dangerous international threats persist.