What is the definition of an enemy of the United States?

Asked by: Otto Olson  |  Last update: February 21, 2026
Score: 5/5 (74 votes)

An "enemy of the United States" is a broad term defined contextually, generally referring to a nation, government, group, or individual engaged in hostilities against the U.S., especially during wartime, but it can also refer to those who engage in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. government, as defined in statutes like the Trading with the Enemy Act or the Alien Enemy Act, and in the context of treason.

Who is considered an enemy of the state?

An enemy of the state is a person suspected of political crimes against the state, such as treason.

What countries are considered enemies of the United States?

Current foreign adversaries

  • People's Republic of China, including. Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. ...
  • Republic of Cuba (Cuba)
  • Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran)
  • Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
  • Russian Federation (Russia)
  • Venezuelan politician Nicolás Maduro (Maduro Regime)

What is the definition of an enemy in the US Code?

the term “enemy” means any country, government, group, or person that has been engaged in hostilities, whether or not lawfully authorized, with the United States; (3) the term “person” means— (A) any natural person; (B)

What countries are not friendly with the US?

Countries generally viewed as unfriendly or having strained relations with the U.S. include Iran, North Korea, Russia, China, Syria, Venezuela, and Cuba, often due to political differences, human rights issues, or geopolitical conflicts, though "unfriendly" status varies greatly, with some countries like Russia and China labeling the U.S. itself as "unfriendly". Tensions often stem from U.S. foreign policy, sanctions, or support for opposing sides in regional conflicts, impacting diplomatic ties and public perception. 

🔴US CITIZEN ARE ENEMIES! | 🔵ENEMIES OF THE STATE DEFINITION | ARE YOU HIDING ENEMIES OF THE STATE

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Which country is the USA's best friend?

While the "best friend" title is subjective, Canada is often cited due to unmatched integration, trade, and defense (NORAD), with strong arguments also made for the United Kingdom, Australia, and increasingly India, all sharing deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties, though Canada stands out for sheer proximity and seamless partnership. 

Who are the biggest threats to the US?

The biggest threats to the U.S., according to intelligence assessments and public opinion, are primarily China, due to its economic, cyber, and military expansion, and Russia, for challenging U.S. influence globally. Other significant concerns include Iran and North Korea, both posing regional challenges and risks to U.S. interests, alongside threats from cyberattacks, domestic extremism, terrorism, and the security of critical infrastructure. 

What does article 7 of the US Constitution say?

Article VII of the U.S. Constitution is about the ratification process, stating that nine of the thirteen states needed to approve it through special state conventions for the Constitution to become the law of the land, replacing the Articles of Confederation. It established the conditions for the new government to take effect and included the date the Constitution was signed (September 17, 1787). 

What does article 14 of the US Constitution say?

No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

What does the 27th Amendment to the Constitution say?

The 27th Amendment says that any law changing the salaries of U.S. Senators and Representatives cannot take effect until after the next election for the House of Representatives, preventing lawmakers from giving themselves immediate pay raises and giving voters a chance to weigh in. This amendment, originally proposed in 1789, was ratified in 1992, making it the most recent addition to the Constitution, with the longest ratification period in U.S. history. 

What country is most friendly to Americans?

Poland, Israel, South Korea, Japan, and Nigeria consistently show high positive views of Americans, while countries like Portugal, Mexico, Canada, Spain, and Costa Rica are noted for being generally welcoming and easy for Americans to visit or even settle in, often due to cultural ties, proximity, or specific immigration policies. The "most welcoming" country depends on whether you're looking for short-term tourism or long-term settlement, but many nations in Europe, Latin America, and Asia offer warm receptions for U.S. citizens. 

Who is the United States not allied with?

While the U.S. has diplomatic ties with most nations, countries like Iran, North Korea, and Syria have no formal relations, while others like Russia, China, and Pakistan have complex, often adversarial relationships, though not always lacking all engagement, with some designated as "unfriendly" or "countries of particular concern" by the U.S. government. Bhutan maintains neutrality with no formal diplomatic ties to many major powers, including the U.S., but without hostility. 

Who are the main enemies of the US?

Our adversaries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are working closer together than ever before and appear far more willing to undertake acts of aggression.

What is the Enemy of the State 2025?

"Enemy of the State 2025" explores issues like justice, honesty, and how far someone will go to defend the truth. With a well-written script and energetic performances, this film aims to keep audiences glued to their seats.

What does article 4 section 4 of the constitution mean?

Section 4 Republican Form of Government

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

Which Amendment gives the right to overthrow the government?

“From the floor of the House of Representatives to Truth Social, my GOP colleagues routinely assert that the Second Amendment is about 'the ability to maintain an armed rebellion against the government if that becomes necessary,' that it was 'designed purposefully to empower the people to be able to resist the force of ...

What does Title IX say?

Title IX states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance[.]” All federal agencies that provide grants of financial assistance ...

What does the 13th Amendment mean today?

Amendment Thirteen to the Constitution – the first of the three Reconstruction Amendments – was ratified on December 6, 1865. It forbids chattel slavery across the United States and in every territory under its control, except as a criminal punishment.

Is God mentioned in the US Constitution?

No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention God, Jesus, or Christianity; its framework is secular, focusing on governmental structure, though it mentions "religion" in the First Amendment to protect religious freedom and prohibit an established religion. The only divine reference is in the signing date, "in the Year of our Lord," a common phrase of the era, not a theological statement, notes TCU Magazine.
 

What was the US called before 1776?

Before 1776, the land that became the United States was known as British America, a collection of distinct colonies, often called the "United Colonies" (or "United Colonies of North America") by the colonists themselves, who identified more with their specific colony than a unified nation. The name "United States of America" first appeared in the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress in September 1776.
 

Can a President change the Constitution?

The Constitution does not give a president the power to violate the Constitution, create or change congressional statutes, or override U.S. Supreme Court decisions—no matter what the EOs say.

Is there a threat to America right now?

As of November 10, 2021, DHS is not aware of an imminent and credible threat to a specific location in the United States.

What are the 5 threat levels?

Threat levels

  • low - an attack is highly unlikely.
  • moderate - an attack is possible but not likely.
  • substantial - an attack is likely.
  • severe - an attack is highly likely.
  • critical - an attack is highly likely in the near future.

Who defends the United States against foreign threats?

The mission of NSD is to carry out the Department's highest priority: to protect and defend the United States against the full range of national security threats, consistent with the rule of law.