By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The upcoming “No Kings” protests are expected to be large, sparking accusations from prominent Republicans who claim the demonstrations are fueled by “antifa” and “Soros-paid protestors.” Organizers, including Indivisible and the American Federation of Teachers, dismiss these claims, emphasizing their focus on peaceful assembly and citizen participation. They highlight the diverse composition of their groups and the efforts made in de-escalation training and community care. Ultimately, the organizers believe the criticism is an attempt to undermine the right to protest against a government that they view as overreaching and undemocratic.
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They’re teachers, nurses, Mennonites, and Marines. The Trump administration calls them antifa.
The irony, the sheer audacity of it all. To paint a broad swathe of Americans – people dedicated to educating our children, caring for the sick, living peacefully, and serving their country – with the brush of “antifa” is truly something. It’s a tactic, we all know. It’s designed to demonize opposition, to muddy the waters, and to paint anyone critical of the administration as a dangerous radical. And it’s not just a label, it’s a weapon. I am Antifa, and I sing and cheer with my fellow Antifans. We must shame the king.
For many, it’s not a choice but a natural extension of their core values. Take the Marine, for instance, who proudly declares their “Antifa” status, contrasting it with their mother’s expected reaction. Or the 75-year-old who feels compelled to stand against fascism, knowing that their voice, and experience, is vital. Their very existence is a testament to what “antifa” truly represents: anti-fascism, a resistance to hate. And let’s not forget the Mennonites, representing peace and community, a stark contrast to the violence and division often associated with the rhetoric of the right.
The historical context is undeniable. The Trump administration’s tactics echo the darkest periods of the past, particularly the rise of fascism in Europe. The echoes of the Red Scare are clear. It’s about fear, about silencing dissent. They are painting everyone as an enemy to justify using our own military against us. This is nothing new. It’s the same playbook used by authoritarian regimes throughout history. The propaganda and rhetoric are just more modern, more readily disseminated, but no less dangerous.
The definition of “antifa” itself is constantly evolving because it’s not a formal organization, but an idea. A movement built on the principle of resisting fascism in all its forms. The people who resist fascism are antifa. That’s what it boils down to. It’s people who are against fascism. It’s people standing up against the erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism. You cannot stand for the country and be okay with fascism. If you disagree, then you are, by definition, anti-fascist.
The frustration is palpable, and it’s directed at those in power who seem to misunderstand or intentionally misrepresent this movement. The sentiment is widespread: “If you don’t love being told what to do or how to live then you’re considered persona non grata.” It’s disheartening to see the word “antifa” used as a cudgel, especially when the true nature of anti-fascism is often lost in the noise. The administration is trying to change the facts so that those who are against fascism are terrorists.
The idea of reclaiming the label is interesting, even for those who are not particularly organized. It’s almost as though the more they decry the anti-fascist movement, the more people see their hypocrisy. There is the sentiment that if they want to call us Antifa, then we will be Antifa. If the self-declared main opposition is the Anti-Fascists – you might just be a fascist. This is where the truth comes into play. If your agenda is to destroy the very things that people believe are important, you will be met with resistance.
The issue is about the fundamental clash of values. It is about a moral and social hierarchy based on identity, where the group thinks they are better and more deserving than those others because of who they are. The other is not just a human being like them, but automatically a moral and physical threat. The freedom they seek is the freedom to not care about anyone outside of their chosen in-group. It is that rejection of equality that is causing so much division.
This isn’t just a U.S. phenomenon, either. It extends to the rise of proto-fascist parties in Europe, who often cloak themselves in democratic language while fostering an undercurrent of hate and intolerance. They are the same everywhere. It’s about supporting people because of the way the voters see themselves, even as they support the worst of the worst to the hilt.
It boils down to the fact that they don’t really believe in freedom or even free markets or whatever. They have always allowed the far right to exist within their parties and organizations, and now that the latter are what attracts attention and funding they seem for the most part happy to enable them and align with them.
The past casts a long shadow. The failure of Reconstruction, the insufficient consequences for those who enabled past regimes, and the recurring pattern of allowing those in power to evade accountability. This is something that we must all recognize to prevent from happening again.
The message is clear: if you are against fascism, then you are a part of the movement. It is an idea that resonates across generations, from those who fought the Nazis to the current generation standing up against injustice. The Trump administration’s attempt to define “antifa” as something nefarious is a deliberate distortion of reality. Those who stand against the erosion of democracy will not be silenced or intimidated.