Protests or Terrorism? New Order Blurs the Line

Broadening the Definition of Domestic Terrorism

A recent executive order titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence" has raised alarms about the future of protests in the United States. The order appears to expand the definition of domestic terrorism, potentially leading to federal agencies investigating and prosecuting protesters under terrorism laws.

Targeting Democratic-Led Cities

The order directs the Justice Department to focus on political violence in cities led by Democrats, including Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago. Critics argue that this could shift the focus of Joint Terrorism Task Forces—typically tasked with tracking foreign threats like Al Qaeda—toward American citizens.

Civil Liberties at Risk

This shift has alarmed many, as these task forces wield significant investigative powers, including those of the FBI and Homeland Security. Using these tools to monitor political opponents could discourage lawful protest and weaken civil liberties.

Potential Withdrawal of State Resources

There is also a risk that governors may withdraw their resources from these task forces, leaving Americans more vulnerable to real threats, such as homegrown violent extremists.

Part of a Broader Pattern

This order follows an earlier executive order targeting antifa, a decentralized group opposing fascism. Critics argue that the antifa order was more about setting a precedent than addressing a specific threat. The new order seems to expand this precedent.

Administration's Justification

The administration claims these orders are necessary to combat political violence. However, existing laws already address assault, rioting, arson, and conspiracy. The concern is that the administration seeks more freedom to conflate protest with terrorism.

Historical Precedents

History shows that governments using terrorism labels to silence opposition often go too far. In Turkey and Russia, these labels have been used to crush civil society and democracy. Critics warn that the U.S. is heading down a similar path.

First Amendment at Risk

The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, assembly, and association. If these rights can be redefined as terrorism by executive order, they may no longer be rights at all.

Escalation and Future Threats

The antifa order was a test case, and the new domestic terrorism order is an escalation. Recent comments about using the military to quell domestic unrest may signal even more dangerous steps.

Testing Democratic Institutions

The president is testing the limits of democratic institutions. Each order, each speech, each threat is a stress test. The question is whether Americans will stand up to defend their freedoms.