People marching in the rain for the No Kings protest in Manhattan, New York.
Rhododendrites | CC BY-SA 4.0

NSPM-7 - Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence

NSPM-7, a vital directive, addresses the pressing need to counter domestic terrorism and organized political violence. This policy underscores the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and ensuring public safety. It emphasizes a comprehensive approach, integrating intelligence gathering, law enforcement coordination, and community engagement. By fostering collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, NSPM-7 aims to dismantle extremist networks and prevent radicalization. The directive also highlights the significance of protecting civil liberties while implementing effective countermeasures. In essence, NSPM-7 is a strategic framework designed to fortify national resilience against internal threats, ensuring a secure and stable society.

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Demand: What do critics say?

Critics of NSPM-7 raise concerns about potential overreach and the delicate balance between security and civil liberties. Some argue that the directive could lead to increased surveillance, infringing on individual rights. There's also skepticism about the effectiveness of existing measures, with calls for more transparency and accountability in implementation. Critics emphasize the need for clear definitions of what constitutes domestic terrorism to prevent misuse of power. Additionally, there's a push for more focus on root causes, such as social and economic factors, to address the underlying issues driving extremism. Overall, while the intention is to protect, the execution and scope remain under scrutiny.

Demand: Be more critical

Critics argue that NSPM-7, while well-intentioned, risks becoming a blunt instrument in the fight against domestic terrorism. There's a fear that it could usher in an era of unchecked surveillance, infringing on personal freedoms and privacy. The directive's broad definitions could lead to the criminalization of dissent, stifling legitimate political expression. Furthermore, critics point out that the focus on law enforcement might overshadow the need to address systemic issues like inequality and social disenfranchisement, which often fuel extremism. The lack of transparency and potential for abuse are significant concerns, with many calling for stricter oversight and clearer guidelines to prevent the erosion of democratic principles.

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Here is what CommonDreams said in a newsletter on November 17, 2025:

"Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum, or NSPM-7, misleadingly titled “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence,” is intended to intimidate and silence free speech and the freedom of the press.

Employing vague terms like “anti-American,” “anti-capitalist,” and “anti-Christian,” Trump orders agencies to investigate or penalize individuals and groups based on their beliefs rather than their actions.

Most worryingly for nonprofit newsrooms, the memo authorizes the IRS commissioner to strip nonprofit organizations of their tax-exempt status if the administration believes they are “directly or indirectly financing political violence or domestic terrorism,” as well as refer “organizations, and the employees and officers of such organizations, to the Department of Justice for investigation and possible prosecution.”

The stakes are very real. Most nonprofit organizations and newsrooms would be unable to survive if the IRS commissioner were to follow through on the threats outlined in NSPM-7.

We cannot allow for the freedom of the press to be effectively destroyed simply for reporting on the size of a protest, taking a photo of a demonstration, or interviewing a nonviolent activist. Please take action to protect nonprofits from Trump’s NSPM-7!

Add your name now to tell Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent: Free speech, freedom of the press, and the right to protest are not “domestic terrorism.” Do not punish nonprofit organizations and newsrooms for expressing their constitutional rights".