A leaked US Justice Department memo has directed the FBI to begin compiling a list of individuals and groups considered potential domestic extremists, according to investigative journalist Kenneth Klippenstein. The document, reportedly signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has sparked growing concern over how political ideology may be used as a basis for federal scrutiny.

Memo lists broad ideological criteria

The memo instructs the FBI to “compile a list of groups or entities engaging in acts that may constitute domestic terrorism,” with indicators that reflect political and ideological positions rather than violent acts. The criteria closely mirror National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM 7), issued during Donald Trump’s presidency, which the leaked document says it aims to operationalise.

Individuals or groups may be flagged if they express:

  • Opposition to immigration or law enforcement practices
  • Strong support for mass migration or open borders
  • “Radical gender ideology”
  • Anti-American, anti-capitalist or anti-Christian views

The memo outlines triggers for federal review, including associations with targeted networks, past incidents matching internal indicators, expanded FBI tip line reports and referrals to Joint Terrorism Task Forces.

Expanded surveillance and incentives for informants

The document also proposes a cash reward system for information leading to arrests and directs the FBI to widen public tip line capacity. It encourages cultivating cooperators who may testify against others, signalling a significant expansion of domestic intelligence-gathering activity.

The directive cites the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a turning point and instructs agencies to map ideological networks “inside and outside the United States.”

Concerns over civil liberties

Critics warn that the proposed framework could place millions of Americans under suspicion due to their political beliefs. Russia, China and other global powers have long been criticised for conflating dissent with extremism, and analysts say the US risks a similar drift if ideological screening becomes normalised in domestic counterterrorism.

Klippenstein, known for publishing leaked national security documents, said the memo suggests a move toward a new domestic extremism architecture with sweeping implications for privacy, dissent and democratic oversight.

What is NSPM 7?

National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 is a directive signed by former President Donald Trump outlining broad criteria for identifying domestic extremist threats. It emphasises political and ideological indicators, raising questions about how dissent is distinguished from security risks.

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Who is Kenneth Klippenstein?

Kenneth Klippenstein is an American investigative journalist known for exposing internal government practices through leaked documents. He has previously worked with The Intercept, The Nation and The Young Turks, specialising in reporting on law enforcement, surveillance and national security