NSPM-7: Co-opting National Security to Suppress Dissent

On September 27, President Trump signed the National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM-7), which allows the administration to investigate and prosecute individuals and organizations believed to be proponents of domestic terrorism and political violence. National safety is paramount, but NSPM-7 is designed to silence political dissent and opposition. 

The memorandum posits that terroristic violence emanates from the following ideals: “anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity…. extremism on migration, race, and gender; and hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on family, religion, and morality.” These categories are broad, perhaps by design. The administration can use ambiguous and often unmeasurable categories to target various entities, while blurring the lines of First Amendment protections. Advocates for economic justice, just immigration policy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), among many other causes, risk being labeled as a threat to American security. Without a definitive explanation, this memorandum leaves organizations, their staff, and their donors vulnerable to being targeted at the administration’s discretion. 

NSPM-7 plans to utilize Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs), which have been directed to consult with executive departments and agencies. The memorandum states: “The JTTFs may, to the extent permitted by law, request operational assistance from and coordinate with law enforcement partners when investigating domestic terrorism.” Absent from the memorandum is how the administration plans to keep the JTTFs in check; parameters for combating discriminatory practices and excessive force are not addressed.  

Domestic terrorism and political violence must be addressed and condemned. This is a cause that should unite Americans across the political spectrum. Yet NSPM-7 appears instead to co-opt this cause to engage in suppression.

In response to the memorandum, over 3,700 non-profit organizations, including Interfaith Alliance, signed a civil society solidarity letter, condemning the administration's attempts to intimidate and punish under executive action. The letter also acknowledges the broader context, stating that this is not an isolated incident and that various organizations are under attack: 

“Whether the target is a church, an environmental or good government group, a refugee assistance organization, university, a law firm, or a former or current government official, weaponizing the executive branch to punish their speech or their views is illegal and wrong. It is also an attack on the very notion that government power must serve the people, not those in office.”

Political violence and domestic terror, as the solidarity letter notes, are unacceptable. However, we should be vigilant to identify critical causes being repurposed to fuel undemocratic and dangerous practices.  

The views and beliefs expressed in this post and all Interfaith Alliance blogs are those held by the author of each respective piece. To learn more about the organizational views, policies and positions of Interfaith Alliance on any issues, please contact [email protected].

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