US President Donald Trump has issued a directive that authorizes the national Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to target individuals and organizations accused of participating in acts of domestic terrorism.
The memorandum, dated September 25, instructs the task force to “investigate, prosecute, and disrupt” suspected individuals and networks. It highlights what it refers to as “common threads” of domestic extremism, such as anti-American, anti-capitalist, and anti-Christian ideologies.
The directive also identifies support for overthrowing the US government, extreme views on migration, race, and gender, and opposition to what it calls traditional American values concerning family, religion, and morality.
“These movements portray foundational American principles (e.g., support for law enforcement and border control) as ‘fascist’ to justify and encourage acts of violent revolution,” the memo states.
“This ‘anti-fascist’ lie has become the organizing rallying cry used by domestic terrorists to wage a violent assault against democratic institutions, constitutional rights, and fundamental American liberties.”
The JTTF has been directed to investigate “potential” crimes related to recruitment or radicalization for these causes. It is also empowered to scrutinize NGOs and US citizens with international connections—including ties to foreign governments, foundations, or networks—where such links might involve money laundering or funding extremist activities.
The president has ordered the task force to focus on investigations into the financing of terrorism and the enabling of violent acts.This announcement coincides with global discussions about religious intolerance, particularly in Nigeria. Recent online conversations have resurfaced unverified claims that more Christians have been killed in Nigeria than Palestinians in Gaza this year.
Nigeria has dismissed these narratives. Mohammed Idris, the nation’s minister of information and national orientation, stated on Sunday that portraying Nigeria’s broader security challenges as a targeted campaign against Christians was “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli