Washington, D.C. – A new presidential memorandum aimed at countering domestic terrorism is prompting comparisons to one of history’s darkest political purges — Adolf Hitler’s Night of the Long Knives in 1934.
According to the Rolling Stone report published Friday, the memo — formally titled National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7) — directs federal agencies to investigate and dismantle “networks, entities, and organizations” tied to what it describes as “anti-American” or “anti-fascist” movements.
The order, signed September 25, 2025, by President Donald Trump, empowers the Department of Justice, Treasury, and Homeland Security to coordinate aggressive investigations into domestic groups accused of organized political violence. Critics, however, warn that the broad language could allow the administration to pursue political opponents or dissenting organizations under the guise of counterterrorism.
Historians note the chilling similarities between NSPM-7’s framework and Hitler’s Night of the Long Knives — a 1934 purge in which the Nazi regime executed hundreds, including former allies, and distant political rivals, under claims of preventing an internal coup. That event consolidated Hitler’s control and eliminated opposition within his ranks, paving the way for unchecked totalitarian rule.
“Authoritarian regimes often begin by targeting extremists, then move toward silencing all dissent,” said one political historian interviewed about the memo’s implications. “The rhetoric of ‘national security’ can quickly become a tool of repression.”
Supporters of the order argue it’s a necessary step to address escalating political violence, including recent assassinations and riots cited in the memorandum. Opponents counter that it risks criminalizing protest and labeling political ideology as terrorism.
Whether NSPM-7 becomes a legitimate security measure or a historical warning in real time may depend on how — and against whom — it’s enforced.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
