Two senior officials in President Donald Trump's administration, whose names were not revealed, told the New York Times Monday that the government is planning a major crackdown on left-wing groups, nonprofits and individuals whom it alleges fund or incite political violence.
The officials say that cabinet secretaries and heads of federal agencies are being mobilized to identify what leaders describe as “domestic terrorism” by the far left in the wake of the killing of right‑wing activist Charlie Kirk last Wednesday. They also aim to declare left‑wing activity tied to violence as a legal and security threat, per the report.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have publicly echoed the plan.
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Appearing on “The Charlie Kirk Show" Monday, Vance and Trump adviser Stephen Miller outlined an effort to root out what they are calling a coordinated left‑wing movement.
Miller said, “With God as my witness, we are going to use every resource we have at the Department of Justice, Homeland Security and throughout this government to identify, disrupt, eliminate and destroy this network and make America safe again for the American people.”
The administration also says it will investigate people behind recent violent or destructive incidents, such as burned Teslas or attacks on immigration agents, and attempt to draw links between those acts and liberal or left‑wing organizations.
This campaign against left-wing groups comes as authorities are still trying to establish motive in Kirk’s killing, and some state officials say the suspect held “leftist ideology,” though they also say he acted alone.
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According to the report, critics warn that without evidence, this approach "could lay the groundwork for crushing anti-conservative dissent more broadly."
During the Monday podcast, Vance said, "While our side of the aisle certainly has its crazies, it is a statistical fact that most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the far-Left."
The vice president's remarks led to strong reactions on social media.
Podcaster and former Obama advisor Jon Favreau wrote on the social platform X: "It is not a statistical fact at all. I wouldn't make an assertion like that about the right without evidence and I'm just a podcaster, not the Vice President of the United States. Incredibly irresponsible."
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TV producer Franklin Leonard said: "Executive branch run by podcasters and wannabe podcasters."
Political reporter Rogen Sollenberger wrote: "It is a statistical fact that, when it comes to political violence, this isn’t true."
Author Amanda Litman wrote: "This is not a statistical fact and it is extremely dangerous for the sitting VP to say this."
Joni Askola, an author and PhD candidate wrote: "Vance is a pathological liar and a hypocrite. He is playing a dangerous game for political gain, one that will only deepen polarization and incite further violence."
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