Directive cites “anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity” as drivers, but critics warn definitions remain undefined and open to abuse.
On September 25, 2025, President Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7), titled “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence.” The White House describes the document as a direct response to what it calls a surge in violence during the Trump administration, including assassinations of public figures and attempts on the lives of federal officials. The memorandum orders the Justice Department, Treasury, Homeland Security, and the IRS to work together to investigate and prosecute not only perpetrators of violence but also the funding and organizational structures that support them. The full directive is available on the White House website: Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence.
The text of the directive goes further than previous national security orders by citing ideology as a root cause. It claims that “common threads animating this violent conduct include anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity.” Nowhere, however, does the document define “Christianity” or clarify whether opposition to specific denominations or social views would qualify as threats.
Civil liberties groups say this lack of clarity could empower agencies to treat criticism of religion, capitalism, or government as evidence of extremism. The ACLU warned that NSPM-7 “threatens to criminalize constitutionally protected political activity under the guise of counterterrorism.”
Here is what this means, stripped of legal jargon:
Who decides? The government is giving itself broad power to decide who is “anti-American” or “anti-Christian.” Without a definition, that decision is left to agencies, not courts.
What counts as violence? NSPM-7 stretches “political violence” to include intimidation, harassment, and even online activity. That could overlap with protest or speech that is normally legal.
Follow the money. Nonprofits and donors will face scrutiny. If a group is accused of supporting political violence, the IRS can audit, revoke tax status, and refer cases for prosecution.
What’s at risk? The First Amendment protects speech, assembly, and religion. A vague standard lets the government blur the line between violent conduct and unpopular opinion. Courts will likely be asked to decide whether NSPM-7 overreaches.
In short: the memo attempts to plug what the administration sees as a “loophole” in current law — that those who do not commit violence directly but who organize or finance activism are still out of reach. But in doing so, it risks ensnaring lawful dissent.
What to Watch Next
DOJ is expected to release a list of groups for potential designation as “domestic terrorist organizations.”
Treasury and IRS will issue guidance for banks and nonprofits on compliance.
Lawsuits challenging the scope of the order are likely to be filed quickly, focusing on the “anti-Christianity” clause and its constitutional limits.
Tags: NSPM-7, political violence, Trump administration, anti-Christianity clause, First Amendment