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Fact check: What are the most common ideologies of extremist groups in the USA?

Checked on September 19, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The most common ideologies of extremist groups in the USA are white supremacy, anti-government extremism, and incel ideology, as noted by sources [1], [6], and [2]. These groups have been involved in various violent attacks and plots, posing a significant threat to national security [1] [2]. Additionally, left-wing extremist groups have also been identified as a threat, although the severity of the threat is debated among sources [3] [4] [5]. The sources also highlight the decentralized nature of these groups, their online organization, and their adoption of foreign terrorist tactics [6]. The Trump administration's plan to target left-wing groups has raised concerns among civil liberties groups and political experts [3]. It is essential to note that the threat posed by these groups has surged in recent years, with a growing number of attacks and plots [1] [2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A crucial aspect missing from the original statement is the comparative analysis of violent left- and right-wing extremist groups in the United States, which highlights similarities and differences in their ideologies, goals, tactics, and membership [4]. Furthermore, the sources emphasize the importance of monitoring both types of groups and the need to address the dangers posed by both [4]. Alternative viewpoints, such as the notion that white Christian extremists often subscribe to an ideology of white supremacy and act to instill terror in communities of color, are also essential to consider [7]. The sources also mention the growing problem of online extremism, which is often linked to hate crimes and online hate speech [8]. It is vital to recognize that unconscious cognitive biases and white privilege can compromise national security by distracting from the threat of white supremacist terrorism [7]. The implications of designating "antifa" as a terrorist organization on free speech and the ongoing debate over extremism in the United States are also crucial to consider [9].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading as it does not provide a clear understanding of the complexities of extremist ideologies in the USA, which can lead to oversimplification of the issue [1] [3] [4]. The sources suggest that right-wing extremist groups pose a significant threat, but the original statement does not acknowledge this [6] [2]. Additionally, the statement may perpetuate biases by not considering the intersection of critical race theory and propaganda, which can compromise national security [7]. The Trump administration's plan to target left-wing groups may also be politically motivated, and the sources raise concerns about the implications for civil liberties [3]. It is essential to approach this topic with a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved and to consider multiple sources and viewpoints to avoid misinformation and bias [1] [3] [4] [5] [8] [7] [6] [2] [9].

Want to dive deeper?
What role does white supremacy play in USA extremist groups?
How do extremist groups in the USA use social media for recruitment?
What are the differences between left-wing and right-wing extremist ideologies in the USA?
How do law enforcement agencies track and monitor extremist groups in the USA?
What are the most common tactics used by extremist groups to spread their ideologies in the USA?