Officials described the memorandum as part of a broader effort to target “domestic terrorism and organized political violence” by radical groups. But when pressed to identify which organizations might be investigated, neither Trump nor Bondi gave specifics. Bondi said only that “any organized group” committing such crimes could be included.
Trump, however, singled out liberal donors George Soros and Reid Hoffman, claiming he has “heard” they are involved. His comments intensified concerns that the White House intends to use law enforcement to pursue ideological opponents. Reports have already surfaced of Justice Department discussions about probing Soros’ foundation. Soros’ Open Society Foundations dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated, saying the administration’s actions are “an attack on civil society” that threaten free speech.
The memorandum comes against a backdrop of rising political tensions. On Wednesday, a deadly shooting at an ICE detention facility in Dallas left one detainee dead and two others seriously injured. Trump quickly blamed the left, warning of potential retaliation from the right if violence continues. “It’s going to get worse, and ultimately it’s going to go back on them,” he said, while adding that he did not want to see reprisals.
Law enforcement officials later said evidence pointed to anti-government motives, not ties to any specific group. The shooter, who died at the scene, left behind handwritten notes expressing hatred of federal authorities, prosecutors confirmed.
Still, Trump’s remarks — and his new directive — underscore how the administration is framing political unrest as a left-wing threat, even as investigators caution against drawing sweeping conclusions. Critics fear that the effort will erode civil liberties, while supporters argue it is a necessary step to confront violent extremism.