CSIS Reports Surge in Left-Wing Political Violence in U.S. 2025

The United States is witnessing a disturbing rise in left-wing political violence, driven in part by inflammatory rhetoric from Democratic politicians who label their opponents as fascists and tyrants, thereby fueling a climate ripe for violence and even political assassinations. Research from the Center for Strategic and International Studies confirms this trend, noting that left-wing terrorist attacks and plots have increased significantly since 2016 and are on track to surpass right-wing incidents in 2025. This escalation is exacerbated by the glorification of revolutionary violence in college curricula, where figures associated with violent movements are celebrated and their actions romanticized, potentially normalizing political violence among young people. The persistence of left-wing violence is also linked to the tolerance and defense of radical groups like antifa by Democratic leaders and media, which has emboldened violent protests and riots in several cities without significant accountability. Experts and commentators warn that such a culture of fear and normalized violence undermines social cohesion and the rule of law, emphasizing the urgent need for political leaders, including President Donald Trump’s administration, to address this crisis by targeting domestic terror organizations and promoting a culture of freedom and safety. Ultimately, unchecked extreme rhetoric and the celebration of violent figures threaten to deepen political divisions and potentially lead to more severe violent outcomes in the future.