Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence
NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM/NSPM-7 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
summaryHere’s a summary and analysis of “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence” (NSPM-7, Sept 25, 2025) from the White House:
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Key Elements of the Memorandum
Purpose and Framing
The memorandum declares an increase in violent political acts—including assassinations, targeted violence, threats, property damage—and describes them as not isolated, but part of organized campaigns.
It labels certain movements (notably self-described “anti-fascist” groups) as vehicles for radicalization and political violence, and explicitly cites ideology (anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, etc.) as motivators.
The aim is to treat politically motivated violence similarly to organized crime or terrorism networks, by going after not just perpetrators but support structures.
Directives & Authorities
1. Investigations & Disruption (Sec. 2)
The National Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) is to coordinate a national strategy to investigate and disrupt entities and networks behind political violence.
Investigations will encompass:
Radicalization, recruitment, conspiracy, violence.
Organizational structures, funding, support networks, even tax-exempt entities implicated.
Coordination among federal, state, local, and international partners.
2. Designation (Sec. 3)
The Attorney General may recommend groups that meet the legal definition of “domestic terrorism” for formal designation.
3. Prioritization & Funding (Sec. 4)
Domestic terrorism is elevated to a national priority area.
New or reallocated grant programs will support law enforcement efforts.
4. Financial Tools & IRS (Sec. 2 & Sec. 5)
Treasury is tasked with tracing funding flows, disrupting illicit financial networks, guiding banks to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
IRS is ordered to ensure tax-exempt organizations are not financing violence, and to refer those that are to DOJ.
5. Legal & Prosecution Guidance
DOJ must issue guidance to explicitly include politically motivated acts (e.g. doxing, swatting, rioting, trespass) under domestic terrorism priorities.
All relevant federal agencies are to use the full scope of existing laws (e.g. conspiracy, RICO, money laundering, etc.) to dismantle networks.
6. Implementation & Limitations (Sec. 5)
The memorandum doesn’t override existing laws or authorities.
Deployment is subject to existing legal constraints and budgetary appropriations.
Potential Implications & Considerations
Broadening Scope of Domestic Terrorism
The memorandum explicitly expands what counts as politically motivated violence (e.g. doxing, swatting, intimidation campaigns) as thresholds for law enforcement attention. This could increase investigations into groups or campaigns previously seen as more marginal.
Free Speech & Civil Liberties Tensions
Designating or investigating politically oriented organizations (especially under new or broadened definitions) could spark debates about First Amendment protections, due process, and how to distinguish between protected political activity and unlawful conduct.
Resource & Capability Strain
Implementing this at scale will require significant coordination across DOJ, Treasury, DHS, IRS, federal law enforcement, and state/local jurisdictions. The success may hinge heavily on inter-agency cooperation and funding.
Designation Authority & Oversight
The authority to recommend groups as domestic terrorist organizations is filtered through DOJ to the President. The process, standards, and accountability mechanisms will matter greatly (e.g. transparency, appeal rights).
Financial Oversight & Institutional Pressures
Banks, financial institutions, and non-profits may come under increased scrutiny (SARs, audits, referrals). This may affect how they interact with politically affiliated organizations, even ones that have not been labeled terrorists.
what is now considered terrorismanti-Americanism,
anti-capitalism,
anti-Christianity,
support for the overthrow of the United States Government,
extremism on migration,
extremism on race,
extremism on gender
hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on family,
hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on religion, and
hostility towa rds those who hold