The U.S. Department of Justice has instructed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to enhance its focus on organizations classified as 'domestic terrorists,' a category that now includes those promoting 'radical gender ideology.' This directive follows a memorandum issued by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on December 4, which aligns with President Donald Trump's earlier directive, NSPM-7, aimed at investigating domestic terrorist organizations. The Bondi memo, which was leaked on December 8, expands the definition of domestic terrorism to encompass various ideologies, including extreme views on migration, anti-American sentiment, anti-capitalism, and opposition to traditional family and religious values.

Under the Trump administration, the term 'radical gender ideology' has been employed to broadly encompass issues related to transgender and nonbinary communities. The memo encourages federal prosecutors to consider charges related to protests and support for organizations deemed to engage in terrorist activities. This includes potential charges for actions such as 'picketing or parading with intent to obstruct the administration of justice' and 'obstruction during civil disorders.'

The material support statute, which has been criticized for its vagueness and potential to infringe on free speech, is highlighted in the memo. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has noted that this statute has historically been used to surveil individuals and groups without sufficient justification since the enactment of the Patriot Act in 2001. Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU’s national security project, has expressed concerns regarding the implications of NSPM-7, emphasizing the subjective nature of defining 'terrorism' and 'political violence.'

Additionally, the Bondi memo instructs federal law enforcement to compile intelligence on Antifa and related groups, requiring the FBI to gather and disseminate information on these entities within a specified timeframe. The FBI is also tasked with publicizing its domestic terrorism tip line and establishing a reward system for information leading to the identification and arrest of individuals in leadership positions within these organizations.

The memo's language parallels a report from journalist Ken Klippenstein, which suggested that the FBI may categorize transgender individuals as 'Nihilistic Violent Extremists.' This classification, introduced earlier in the year, describes individuals whose actions are driven by a desire to create chaos and undermine societal structures. This framing aligns with ongoing narratives that seek to blame marginalized communities for broader societal issues, including gun violence.

Research indicates that the majority of domestic terrorism incidents in the U.S. are linked to right-wing extremism, a fact that is often overlooked in federal discussions on domestic terrorism.