President Trump has deployed the National Guard to Portland, Oregon, targeting Antifa, a far-left militant group that has been associated with multiple violent incidents. This move has led to significant political backlash, with Democrats and liberal media figures increasingly denying the existence of Antifa. They claim that the group lacks a formal structure or membership process, suggesting that the administration is using the designation of domestic terrorism to suppress dissent. Former CNN journalist John Harwood, a prominent figure in the media, tweeted that ‘No ‘antifa’ organization exists; this is made up.’ This sentiment is echoed by other prominent Democrats, including Rep. Dan Goldman, who questioned the existence of the group and its alleged call for the overthrow of the U.S. government.
The White House, however, maintains that Antifa is a radical terrorist organization responsible for a series of violent incidents, including the attack on an ICE office in Portland and the use of a stop sign as a battering ram. The administration argues that these actions have caused significant damage to the city, with officers and citizens being terrorized. The deployment of the National Guard is framed by the White House as a necessary step to protect federal assets and personnel, especially following the incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities. Critics, however, argue that the presence of the National Guard is an overreach, with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and other Democrats filing lawsuits to challenge the order. They assert that there is no immediate threat to public safety, and that the administration is attempting to exert control over the city through military intervention.
Historically, the narrative around Antifa has been contentious, with various political figures and media outlets disputing its existence. During the 2020 election, Democratic lawmakers and media personalities often denied the existence of Antifa, despite the documented violence and riots during the George Floyd protests. Former FBI Director Chris Wray and then-President Joe Biden have both commented on the issue, with Biden stating that Antifa is a ‘radical terrorist organization.’ The current administration continues this narrative, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticizing the media for not covering the violence attributed to Antifa adequately.
Despite the claims of non-existence, there is evidence that Antifa and its affiliated groups have been involved in violent activities, including attacks on individuals, demonstrations, and clashes with law enforcement. Independent journalist Andy Ngo gained national attention in 2019 when he was attacked by Antifa members during a protest in Portland. The group has also been linked to incidents such as the CHOP zone in Seattle, where a 16-year-old was fatally shot during a protest. These events illustrate the ongoing tensions between Antifa and law enforcement, as well as the broader societal impact of the group’s actions. As the National Guard deployment continues to face legal challenges, the debate over Antifa’s existence and its impact on American society remains a focal point of political and media discourse.