US Labels Palestine Action a Terrorist Group
Washington designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group as the Trump administration expands its counterterrorism campaign against organizations it describes as part of a wider “far-left” extremist network.
The United States designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group on Wednesday, placing the campaign organization at the center of the Trump administration’s widening counterterrorism effort against groups it associates with the far left.
The move forms part of an attempt by Washington to redirect international counterterrorism priorities toward what Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described as “far-left terror.”
Washington Broadens Its Counterterrorism Focus
Rubio told officials from more than 60 countries last month that the U.S. intended to shift greater attention toward far-left groups.
The approach has drawn concern from Democrats, who argue that the administration risks politicizing counterterrorism policy while diverting resources from other extremist threats.
President Donald Trump had repeatedly targeted the anti-fascist antifa movement during his 2024 campaign.
He later pledged action against left-wing organizations he accused of encouraging violence following last year’s killing of conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk.
Treasury Threatens Financial Pressure
The designation was accompanied by warnings that Washington would use financial measures against organizations and individuals it considers connected to far-left extremism.
“Far-left extremists, their fronts, and their enablers should be on notice: We will bring the full weight of our economic tools to bear,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
“Political terrorism has no place in our society, and we will continue to cut the financial lifelines of these groups until they are eliminated.”
The Treasury Department also sanctioned an Italy-based entity on Wednesday, accusing it of providing digital infrastructure, tools and services to antifa and other far-left organizations.
Palestine Action Rejects U.S. Move
Britain had already banned Palestine Action as a terrorist organization.
The group had increasingly targeted Israel-linked defense companies operating in Britain, with particular attention directed at Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense company.
Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, rejected the U.S. action and said the organization’s activities “have always been about saving lives by disrupting the Israeli war machine.”
She said Washington’s decision reflected what she described as an extension of Britain’s approach toward the movement and warned of consequences for free speech and civil liberties.
Britain’s Supreme Court has said it will hear an appeal over a lower court ruling that upheld the government’s decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist organization.
Masar Badil Also Sanctioned
The Treasury Department separately imposed sanctions on Masar Badil, a transnational group Washington said operates as a front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine had already been designated by the U.S. as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.