According to a report by The Intercept published on July 17, 2026, a national security memorandum signed by former President Donald Trump in 2025 authorized preemptive law enforcement measures targeting individuals based on their political or ideological beliefs, specifically focusing on 'radical left terrorism.' The memo was issued without congressional approval, raising concerns about executive overreach.
The memorandum, which remains in effect under the current administration, has led to a wave of terrorism prosecutions. Critics argue that the policy conflates legitimate political dissent with terrorism, potentially violating First Amendment protections. The Intercept's investigation cites internal documents and interviews with current and former officials.
As of mid-2026, no legislation has been passed to authorize or restrict the memo's provisions. Legal experts have noted that the memo's reliance on ideological criteria for preemptive action is unprecedented in modern U.S. counterterrorism policy. The Department of Justice has not commented on the record about specific cases brought under the memo.
