Rationally, it would mean entities which have specifically associated with (that is, having had communication, meetings, common specific goals/plans/projects, active support, etc.) AQ or the Taliban. Not just “similarly pissed off at the US government”.
OK, thats pretty close to what I would say. OTOH do you really believe thats how the pols in DC will define it? In my view it isn;t a given. They’ll define it however they please to suit their agenda de jour. Remember if they get their way then its their defn which prevails w/o any further review. How are you seeing this as not a bad thing??