In his new book, To Catch a Fascist: The Fight to Expose The Radical Right, journalist Christopher Mathias explores fascism’s rise during the Trump era through the lens of antifa activists. Initially meant to expose the radical right, the book now serves as a crucial warning about fascism’s relevance today. Mathias discusses Trump’s controversial executive order labeling antifa a “domestic terrorist organization,” despite antifa lacking a formal structure or leadership.
The book focuses on activists who took action against fascist groups, detailing their surveillance and infiltration efforts. A notable case follows an undercover activist named Vincent, who embeds himself in the Patriot Front, revealing the group’s extremist activities, including the production of untraceable “ghost guns.” Mathias highlights the alarming interconnections between far-right groups and gun violence in America, underscoring the urgency of his work. The intricate and dangerous landscapes of these radical movements demonstrate the active role citizens have taken in countering fascism as a threat to democracy.
