Trump Sanctions UK Pro-Palestine Group as "Terrorists." An American Former Member Wonders If He Can Go Home.

In 2021, American activist Max Geller was arrested in Kent, U.K. for chaining himself to a van in front of a weapons factory. He was unaware that his actions could lead to U.S. sanctions five years later. The Trump administration recently imposed sanctions on the U.K.-based anti-genocide protest group Palestine Action, which organized the 2021 demonstration and multiple actions at Israeli-owned factories.

The U.S. aims to "protect Americans from the risks posed by far-left terrorism." Geller, who was once Palestine Action's spokesperson, expressed concern that the sanctions treat American activists who oppose genocide as terrorists. The sanctions mean that groups and individuals cannot receive funds or services from American people or businesses, severely limiting their organizing abilities.

Geller questioned whether his bank accounts and Venmo/PayPal accounts would be frozen, as the sanctions could have a chilling effect on supporters. The U.K. government previously proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, leading to the group's dissolution and criminal trials for its members. The sanctions against Palestine Action are part of President Trump's efforts to suppress advocacy for Palestinian rights and challenge Israel's actions in Gaza.

Critics argue that the sanctions target political organizations and solidarity movements, rather than genuine threats to national security.