Washington (AP) – President Donald Trump Escalates the threat of cracking down on what he describes as “the left of the radical.” Charlie Kirk’s assassinationstokes fear that his administration is trying to use his anger over the murder to curb political opposition.
Without establishing a link to last week’s shooting, the Republican president and members of his administration discussed classifying several groups as domestic terrorists, ordering investigations, and revoking tax-free status for progressive nonprofits. The White House pointed to the foundations of a progressive network of activists founded by George Soros, and the open society founded as a potential subject of potential scrutiny.
Executives argue that their focus is hampering violence, but critics have seen an extension of Trump’s campaign of retaliation against his political opponent and an erosion of his right to freedom of speech. The move to weaken liberal groups could also change the political landscape ahead of next year’s midterm elections, which will determine the control of the national legislative and state homes.
“The radical left has caused great damage to the country,” Trump told reporters Tuesday morning. A national visit to the UK. “But we’re fixing that.”
I sometimes have cards It poses a similar threat Without following. But now there is a renewed interest fueled by the rage over Kirk’s murder. Conservative activists He was a prominent supporter of Trump and was a friend of many of his advisors and friends.
White House criticizes “terrorist networks”
Authorities say they believe the suspect in Kirk’s assassination acted alone, They charged him with murder. on tuesday.
However, administrative authorities have repeatedly issued statements about the need for broader investigations and punishment related to Kirk’s death.
Attorney General Pam Bondy blamed “left extremists” on the shootings and said “they’ll be held responsible.” Top policy adviser Stephen Miller said there was “an organised campaign that led to this assassination.”
Miller’s comments came in a conversation with Vice President JD Vance, who guest-hosted Kirk’s talk show from the White House ceremonial office on Monday.
Miller said he felt “concentrated, righteous anger,” and as he worked to “uproot and dismantle these networks of terrorists,” he said, “we’re going to guide all the rage.”
Vance denounced the “fast left madness” for saying the White House “will chase a constitutionally protected speech.” Instead, he said, “We’re going to chase after NGO networks that promote, promote and engage in violence.”
In pursuit of examples, the White House pointed to the spread of goggles and masks during demonstrations in which police officers and federal agents were injured, as well as the protests against immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
There were also reports that they inseparably offered to refund those gathered at Tesla dealers in order to oppose the leadership of government efficiency Elon Musk. Sometimes the car was destroyed later.
Indivisible’s leadership said “political violence is a cancer against democracy” and that their own organizations are “threatened by the right wing all year round.”
Nonprofits brace for impact
Trump’s executives are rattling nonprofits, trying to limit work and freeze federal funds, but more aggressive proposals to revoke tax-free status have not come to fruition.
Now, as nonprofits recruit attorneys and improve security for their offices and staff, the mood is getting darker.
“The atmosphere has been raised by triggering political violence, and organizations fearing they will be unfairly targeted afterwards are made to ensure they are ready,” said Lisa Gilbert, co-chairman of the government’s Watchdog Group Public Citizens.
Trump made it Retaliation against political enemies The cornerstone of his comeback campaign, he mobilized the federal government to rebuild law firms, universities and other traditionally independent institutions. He also ordered ActBlue investigationan online liberal fundraising platform.
Some nonprofits hope to send the cold through the donor community, focusing on prominent funders like Soros, a liberal billionaire whose administration has been a conservative target for years.
Trump recently said Soros had not made any specific allegations but that Soros should face an investigation into the assault. The Open Society Foundation condemned violence and Kirk’s assassination in a statement, saying, “It is dishonorable to use this tragedy for political purposes to dangerously divide Americans and attack the First Amendment.”
Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, wrote on social media that “Charlie Kirk’s murder can unite Americans and confront political violence,” but “it appears to be setting up a campaign to destroy opposition.”
“It is dishonest and false for Democrats to say that the administration’s actions are about political speeches,” said White House spokesman Abigail Jackson. She said the goal is to “target and hold people accountable for criminal behavior.”
Republicans support Trump’s call for an investigation
Trump’s concerns about political violence are significantly partisan. He described those who rioted at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 as “hostages” and “patriots,” and forgived 1,500 people on the first day he returned to his oval office. He also chuckled at House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi after the attack on her husband.
When Trump condemned Kirk’s murder in a video message last week, he mentioned several examples of “radical left political violence,” but ignored the attacks on Democrats.
Asked on Monday about the murder of Minnesota Sen. Melissa Hortman over the summer, Trump said, “I’m not familiar.”
“Trump shrugs at right-wing political violence,” said Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible in the newsletter.
Some conservative commentators support potential crackdowns. “Let’s close the left,” said Laura Rumer, a conspiracy theorist with a long record of biased comments. She also said Trump “hopes the left will become the “dictator” he thinks he is.”
Katie Miller, wife of Stephen Miller and a former administration spokeswoman, asked Bondi if they would “have more law enforcement agencies chasing these groups” and “put people cuffs.”
“We’re definitely targeting you. If you’re targeting people with hate speech, we’ll chase you,” Bondy said. “And that’s across the aisle.”
Her comments sparked a backlash from the entire political spectrum, as even hate speech is generally considered protected under the initial revision. “Bondi will be more cautious on social media on Tuesday morning, focusing on “hate speech that sets a line on the threat of violence.”
Trump has gained more support from Republicans in Congress. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas Others have proposed legislation that would allow the Department of Justice to prosecute violent protesters and groups that support them, using the assault laws originally intended to combat organized crime.
Rep. Chip Roy of Texas hopes to create a special committee to investigate nonprofits.
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Bill Barrow, Associated Press Writer in Atlanta, contributed to the report.
