Democratic Rep. Debra Haaland of New Mexico referred to Antifa as a group of “peaceful protesters” who are simply trying to “safeguard their city” during an interview on CNN.

CNN host Ana Cabrera began by reading Trump’s tweet and then asked: “I do want to note, the U.S. does not have a domestic terrorism law. No government agency designates domestic groups as being domestic terrorism organizations. What’s your reaction to that tweet?”

“This is on par with what the president does. He sides with the white supremacists, he sides with the white nationalists, with the domestic terrorists in our country,” Haaland said. “He’s incited violence against people of color. Portland is a progressive city. They want to ensure that they keep their city moving forward.”

“It’s not surprising that Trump would side away from the folks who are the peaceful protesters working to safeguard their city from domestic terrorism. Just not surprised at all that the president sides with the white nationalists,” she continued. “That’s been his mode of operation since before he was elected president.”

Peaceful, except for that whole thing about attacking people.

Free Beacon:

Democratic Rep. Debra Haaland (N.M.) called Antifa a group of “peaceful protesters” that is “working to safeguard their city from domestic terrorism” during an appearance on CNN Saturday. Police arrested at least 13 individuals during the protests and counter-protests between far-right activists and “anti-fascist” demonstrators in Portland, Ore. according to reports.  More

New video footage has surfaced of several violent attacks by Antifa on demonstrators in Portland, Oregon.

The clashes come as Trump has warned he would designate the left-wing movement as an “organization of terror.”

Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an “ORGANIZATION OF TERROR.” Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2019

Antifa attacks people on a bus. They try to pull them out and hit them with a hammer. #PortlandProtests pic.twitter.com/JSkCE1Vrcy

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 17, 2019

They threw hammers at people, maced and pepper-sprayed the people on the bus and smashed windows on the doors on the bus.

More anarchy and chaos in Portland by antifa. pic.twitter.com/WHr8VQWzhP

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 17, 2019

As mob continued to follow the small group going to their cars, a masked antifa person ran up & stole the man’s flag. They mock the group before police finally step in again. They offer to escort the group, which angers the mob. Great footage captured by @TPostMillennial! pic.twitter.com/OMgeLDffkm

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 17, 2019

This is who’s leading Antifa pic.twitter.com/yTmg148DGi

— Elijah Schaffer S.O. (@ElijahSchaffer) August 17, 2019

Middle-age man was maced and beaten by an antifa mob. He was knocked unconscious to the ground. His partner or spouse was trying to protect him as mob still surrounded them. No police. #PortlandProtests pic.twitter.com/eAhrMSEKU1

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 17, 2019

They don’t just regard Proud Boys as ‘fascists,’ cops and the USA are ‘fascist’ too.

“Shoot yourselves. Suicide is the only way out!”

—Antifa man to Portland cops #PortlandProtest pic.twitter.com/99hdscUW8g

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) August 17, 2019

These people are sick in the head ????

— Julie Zac (@JulieJuliezac3) August 17, 2019

Portland police appear to be retreating or leaving. #PortlandProtests pic.twitter.com/m6Hc4RngEL

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 17, 2019

Photo of one of the men on the black bus after he was beaten, maced and had a hammer thrown at his torso during the antifa attack. pic.twitter.com/XPK4z8IbgJ

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 18, 2019