Democratic lawmakers demand answers on Trump admin's anti-left crackdown under NSPM-7
Twenty-seven House Democrats have asked senior officials to explain the scope of a Trump-era memo that targets left-leaning individuals and groups.
A coalition of 27 congressional Democrats has formally pressed the Trump administration for a full accounting of its National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, which they say enables a systematic campaign against left-wing activists. In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the members expressed alarm over recent statements that described leftists as a "cancer" and "enemies of civilization" during a State Department ministerial on political terrorism.
They contend the memo sanctions actions ranging from extensive surveillance and deportation attempts to unusually long prison terms and, in extreme instances, street executions of individuals like Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The letter asks for clarification of the memo’s legal authority, a list of targeted groups, and all implementation records. Although the letter set an August 18 deadline, the administration has not replied, leading the lawmakers to release the request publicly. Representatives Delia C. Ramirez, Jim McGovern, and Ayanna Pressley spearheaded the effort, highlighting concerns that the policy fosters a global network of governments engaged in transnational repression.
Why it matters
The inquiry spotlights potential abuse of national security powers to silence political dissent in the United States.
In this story
