In a move that has drawn criticism, the Biden administration's FBI has reportedly created a discreet new classification for extremists, aimed at tracking and countering supporters of former President Donald Trump, particularly those associated with the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement, in anticipation of the 2024 presidential election.
This revelation comes from the investigative work of seasoned journalist and political commentator, William Arkin, who has previously reported extensively on the FBI's targeting of MAGA supporters. In an article published in Newsweek, Arkin disclosed that a significant portion of the FBI's investigations into "anti-government" activities have primarily targeted Trump supporters.
An intriguing development highlighted by Arkin's investigation is the claim made by an FBI whistleblower that there has been pressure to inflate domestic terrorism figures against conservatives. This allegation raises questions about the impartiality of the FBI's investigations and its adherence to its commitment to protect constitutional rights, especially those protected by the First Amendment.
Further complicating matters, the FBI has introduced a specific threat tag for pro-life activists, "THREATSCOTUS2022", following a leaked Supreme Court opinion on abortion.
One noteworthy addition to the FBI's threat categorization is the introduction of a new subcategory labeled "AGAAVE-Other." This classification encompasses individuals with anti-government or anti-authority motivations for violence, though it is not explicitly stated, this category appears to be closely linked to former President Trump's supporters.
The FBI defends its classification as nonpartisan, asserting that it is rooted in intelligence and threat assessment. However, critics argue that it raises concerns about the objectivity of such categorizations and their potential for being used for political purposes.
Critics have expressed worries about an increase in FBI assessments targeting Americans with political or ideological associations deemed unfavorable by the current administration, suggesting that this trend aligns with the rhetoric of various government officials.
