Trump Sanctions Palestine Action: Ex-Member Warns of Chilling Effect on Dissent

The Trump administration has imposed counterterrorism sanctions against Palestine Action, a United Kingdom-based protest organization that targets weapons manufacturers supplying Israel, including Elbit Systems. The decision, announced by the United States Department of the Treasury, targets far-left activist networks to cut off their financial lifelines. The move marks a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s efforts to restrict international groups opposing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Under the new Treasury Department rules, American citizens and businesses are prohibited from engaging in financial transactions with Palestine Action or providing goods and services to the group. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the government would continue to disrupt funding streams until such organizations are eliminated. Financial institutions worldwide are expected to comply to avoid losing access to the U.S. banking system, severely restricting the group’s fundraising capabilities globally.

The sanctions directly affect former members, including American activist Max Geller. Geller, who served as a spokesperson for the group before stepping down when the British government criminalized membership, voiced concern over potential bank freezes and travel restrictions. British authorities previously declared Palestine Action a terrorist organization under the U.K. Terror Act, leading to more than 1,200 arrests of individuals supporting the movement or attending solidarity rallies.

Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori condemned the sanctions, calling them part of an unprecedented attack on political dissent. Reports indicate that Ammori and co-founder Richard Barnard could face permanent bans on travel to the United States. Civil liberties lawyers warn that the broad parameters of the sanctions create a chilling effect, leaving supporters uncertain if basic organizing or expressing online solidarity could lead to federal prosecution.

Advocacy groups argue the measure reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to penalize critics of Israeli foreign policy. Last year, the administration sanctioned individuals connected to the International Criminal Court after it issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. Raed Jarrar, advocacy director at Democracy for the Arab World Now, stated that counterterrorism authorities are being weaponized against movements challenging Israel’s treatment of Palestinians rather than targeting genuine national security threats.

The sanctions against Palestine Action were issued alongside actions targeting groups such as Autistici/Inventati and Masar Badil. Although Palestine Action effectively ceased formal operations in the U.K. following its proscription there, independent cells continue to operate internationally. The Trump administration has similarly utilized federal counterterrorism authorities under National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 to target domestic political protesters within the United States.

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