Antifa (United States) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antifa |
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A common symbol for antifa, showing an anarchist flag over a socialist flag. It's based on the logo of the German antifa movement.
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| Country | United States |
| Motives |
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| Ideology | Anti-fascism Anti-authoritarianism Anti-capitalism Anti-statism Anti-Trumpism Anarchism Socialism Communism |
| Political position | Left-wing |
| Major actions | Direct action Community organizing Mutual aid Digital activism Sometimes using force in protests Sometimes causing property damage Picketing Protest marching |
| Status | Active |
Antifa is a political idea and movement that is against fascism and racism. It is often described as many independent groups in the United States that don't have a single leader. People involved in Antifa use different ways to protest. These include peaceful methods like making posters, helping communities, giving speeches, and organizing marches. Some who identify with Antifa also use tactics like sharing information online, publicly criticizing people, sometimes using force, and causing property damage.
The main goal of Antifa supporters is to challenge far-right extremists. This includes groups like neo-Nazis and white supremacists. People in the movement have different left-wing beliefs. They often want less government control and fairer economic systems. Many are anarchists, communists, or socialists, but some social democrats also join. The name "Antifa" and its logo come from a similar movement in Germany.
The American Antifa movement grew after Donald Trump was elected president in 2016. Antifa's actions have received both support and criticism. Some on the political left and some civil rights organizations criticize the use of force. They say these tactics are not helpful and can be dangerous. Both Democratic and Republican politicians have spoken against violence from Antifa. Many right-wing politicians and groups have called Antifa a dangerous group. They sometimes use "Antifa" to describe any left-leaning protest. However, experts often say Antifa is a response to the rise of the far-right. Research suggests that most Antifa actions are peaceful.
There have been many attempts to spread untrue stories about Antifa. Some of these were hoaxes on social media. Many came from users pretending to be Antifa supporters. These false stories were sometimes shared as facts by some media and politicians. On September 22, 2025, former President Trump filed an executive order. It aimed to label Antifa as a dangerous group. This followed repeated calls from Trump and William Barr. However, experts say such an action would go beyond the president's power. They also say it would go against the First Amendment (freedom of speech). Several studies have found that Antifa is not a major threat of serious violence.
What is Antifa?
The word "Antifa" comes from the German word "Antifa". This is a short way of saying "anti-fascist". It was also the nickname of a group in Germany in the 1930s. This group inspired the wider Antifa movement. The word "Antifa" became more common in English in 2017.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) says the term "Antifa" is often used incorrectly. It is sometimes used to describe all people who protest against something. During the first Trump presidency, "Antifa" became a general term for conservatives. They used it for many left-leaning or liberal protest actions. Some conservative writers linked the actions of Black Lives Matter with Antifa.
In 2020, Politico reported that "Antifa" is a powerful term for conservatives. It represents what they fear in a culture war. It is also a quick way to label their opponents. Some experts believe the term "Antifa" became popular as a reaction. It was a response to the term "alt-right" becoming popular. Now, it often describes people who are against fascism or racism and are willing to protest.
Movement Structure and Ideology
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Antifa is not one big organization. Instead, it is a movement made up of many independent groups and individuals. There is no main leader or chain of command. These groups share information and resources about far-right activities. They do this through loose networks and trust. Members often keep their political activities private. This is to avoid problems with law enforcement and far-right groups.
Historian Mark Bray, an expert on Antifa, says their methods aim to stop white supremacists and neo-Nazis. He and other scholars say most Antifa methods are peaceful. The Anti-Defamation League agrees with this. Bray explains that they sometimes act like private investigators. They track neo-Nazi organizing on social media. They also share information about people involved in white supremacist groups. This can lead to people losing their jobs or families disagreeing with their actions.
Activists usually plan protests using social media and websites. Some use secure messaging apps. In 2017, one writer described Antifa as a way of organizing, not a specific group. A member of an Antifa group in New York City explained their research. They check if a person or group is "fascist, Alt Right, White Nationalist, etc." They focus on groups that support white supremacists.
Experts say many Antifa supporters believe former President Trump was a dangerous leader. They felt he threatened America's diverse democracy. This helps explain why some labeled his supporters as fascists. It also explains why Trump often called Antifa a dangerous group.
Antifa is a movement that brings together different left-wing groups. They are united by their opposition to right-wing extremism and white supremacy. Antifa activists often prefer direct action over traditional politics.
See also
In Spanish: Antifa (Estados Unidos) para niños
