NSPM-7 Explained: Trump's National Security Memorandum on Domestic Terrorism

What is NSPM-7? Understanding the Presidential Memorandum

National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7), titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence," represents one of the most significant expansions of federal counterterrorism authority since the post-9/11 era. Signed by President Donald Trump on September 25, 2025, this directive fundamentally reshapes how the United States government identifies, investigates, and prosecutes domestic terrorism threats.

Unlike previous administrations' approach to domestic terrorism, NSPM-7 explicitly targets what it describes as "anti-fascist" movements and organizations that promote "anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity." The memorandum establishes a comprehensive framework that empowers multiple federal agencies to coordinate investigations into political violence and the networks that allegedly support it.

Historical Context and Background

The memorandum cites several high-profile incidents as justification for expanded federal powers, including assassinations, attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, and widespread civil unrest. According to the document, these events represent "sophisticated, organized campaigns of targeted intimidation, radicalization, threats, and violence designed to silence opposing speech, limit political activity, change or direct policy outcomes, and prevent the functioning of a democratic society."

Key Provisions: Expanding Federal Authority

NSPM-7 introduces several groundbreaking provisions that significantly expand federal investigative and prosecutorial authority. These changes affect not only suspected terrorists but also the broader ecosystem of organizations, funders, and supporters that the government believes enable political violence.

Joint Terrorism Task Force Expansion

The memorandum empowers the National Joint Terrorism Task Force (NJTTF) and local Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) to "investigate, prosecute, and disrupt entities and individuals engaged in acts of political violence and intimidation." This represents a major shift from traditional counterterrorism focus on foreign threats to domestic political organizations.

Critically, the JTTFs are now directed to investigate "institutional and individual funders, and officers and employees of organizations" that "aid and abet" what the government determines to be domestic terrorist activities. This creates potential liability for a wide range of individuals and organizations previously considered outside the scope of terrorism investigations.

Broadened Definition of Political Violence

NSPM-7 expands the definition of domestic terrorism to include activities such as:

• Organized doxing campaigns - releasing private information to encourage harassment
• Swatting operations - false emergency calls to trigger police responses
• Coordinated civil disorder - organized protests that result in property damage
• Political intimidation - actions designed to suppress opposing viewpoints

Impact on Tax-Exempt Organizations and Nonprofits

One of the most significant aspects of NSPM-7 is its direct targeting of tax-exempt organizations, including charities, advocacy groups, and political organizations. The memorandum creates unprecedented scrutiny for nonprofits that the government perceives as promoting certain ideological positions.

IRS Enforcement Powers

The Internal Revenue Service is specifically directed to "ensure that no tax-exempt entities are directly or indirectly financing political violence or domestic terrorism." This mandate includes:

• Enhanced scrutiny of organization activities and funding sources
• Referral of suspect organizations to the Department of Justice
• Potential revocation of tax-exempt status for violating organizations
• Investigation of officers and employees of targeted organizations

Treasury Department Financial Tracking

The Department of Treasury is tasked with identifying and disrupting "financial networks that fund domestic terrorism and political violence." This includes:

• Enhanced Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing requirements for financial institutions
• Comprehensive tracing of funding streams to targeted organizations
• Coordination with law enforcement agencies on financial investigations
• Development of new guidelines for identifying terrorism-related financial activity

Enforcement Mechanisms and Criminal Prosecution

NSPM-7 establishes a comprehensive enforcement framework that utilizes existing federal criminal statutes in new ways. The Department of Justice is directed to pursue maximum prosecutions under various federal laws, creating potential criminal liability for a broad range of activities.

Priority Criminal Statutes

Federal law enforcement agencies are instructed to prioritize investigations under several key statutes:

• 18 U.S.C. 111 - Assaulting federal officers or employees
• 18 U.S.C. 241 - Conspiracy against rights
• 18 U.S.C. 371 - Conspiracy to commit federal offense
• 18 U.S.C. 1956 - Money laundering charges
• 18 U.S.C. 2339 series - Material support to terrorism
• RICO Act (18 U.S.C. 1961 et seq.) - Organized criminal activity

Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) Enforcement

The memorandum specifically targets "non-governmental organizations and American citizens residing abroad or with close ties to foreign governments" for FARA violations. This represents a significant shift in enforcement priorities, potentially affecting international advocacy organizations and their domestic partners.

Constitutional and Legal Implications

NSPM-7 raises significant constitutional concerns, particularly regarding First Amendment protections for freedom of speech, association, and political activity. Legal experts have identified several areas of potential constitutional vulnerability.

First Amendment Challenges

The memorandum's targeting of organizations based on ideological positions presents direct First Amendment issues:

• Viewpoint discrimination - Government action based on specific political beliefs
• Freedom of association - Right to form and join political organizations
• Chilling effect - Deterring legitimate political activity through investigation threats
• Overbreadth concerns - Potential criminalization of protected political speech

Due Process Considerations

The broad scope of NSPM-7's investigative powers raises due process questions regarding:

• Vague definitions of prohibited conduct
• Potential for selective enforcement based on political views
• Lack of clear standards for determining "indirect" support for terrorism
• Limited procedural protections for targeted organizations

Recommended Compliance Measures

Organizations potentially affected by NSPM-7 should consider implementing enhanced compliance measures:

• Due diligence protocols for grantees, funders, and partners
• Enhanced documentation of organizational activities and funding sources
• Legal counsel consultation regarding potential exposure
• Compliance certifications for grants and donations
• Contingency planning for potential investigations