Antifa is a concept, a philosophical mindset, that is a reaction to organized hate groups. Antifa comprises a group of independent individuals who oppose Fascism. Prior to 2016 Antifa were anarchists and far left. Since Trump came to power, more mainstream people have joined the cause. Their belief system is rooted in the assumption that the Nazi party would never have come to power if people had fought them during the 1920s and 30s.While most of their counter-protests have been peaceful, there have been numerous instances where encounters between Antifa and the far-right have turned violent.
Trump frequently cites Antifa as a terrorist organization, but not the far-right hate groups Proud Boys or Patriot Prayer. Right-wing hate groups have consistently committed domestic terror in the United States for many years and have murdered hundreds of people in this country. Trump has repeatedly denounced his political opponents and has referred to the media as the “enemy of the people.” His political rallies veer into aggression and violence against anyone who opposes him. The opposition is anyone and everyone who is not for Trump: Republican, Moderate Republican, Libertarian, Moderate Democrat, Social Democrat, Liberal, Progressive, Socialist, Communist, Green and the Media. Did I miss anyone? It does not matter. Bottom line: If you’re not for Trump, you are the enemy. And that means there’s a whole lot of hate going on here.
Since Trump’s first year in office, there has been, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a fifty-five percentage increase in white nationalist hate groups. While it once seemed inconceivable that America would give rise to a new resurgence of white supremacist hate paramilitary groups, it is even more incredible that an American President would court their favors. Bikers for Trump, which boasts 370,000+ members on Facebook, is not a paramilitary group per se, but they do believe Trump is the only person who can save America from a dark alliance of socialists and Black Lives Matter activists, undocumented immigrants (imported to vote Democratic) and Muslim Congresswomen.
All along Trump has curried the favors of Bikers for Trump. His frequent shout-outs for this massive group is an intentional rallying cry. Chris Cox, the Founder of Bikers for Trump, organized the wall of meat around Trump for his inauguration in January 2017. The group also helped Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a fervent Trump supporter, with security issues five times. The bikers are big and beefy. Many are armed. Trump revels in having a force of tough people who are personally loyal to him. Their presence sends a message to the enemy: America is not going to be overtaken by cry-baby liberals.