Trump Management Moves to Designate Muslim Brotherhood chapters as Terrorist Organizations
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A new Executive Order directs a review of potential Foreign Terrorist institution designations for chapters operating in Lebanon, Egypt, and jordan.
WASHINGTON – President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order today initiating a process that could lead to the designation of certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). The move signals a continued escalation in the administration’s efforts to counter perceived threats to U.S. national security emanating from the Middle East and beyond.
Examining the Muslim Brotherhood’s Network
The Executive Order directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury,in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence,to submit a report evaluating whether specific Muslim Brotherhood chapters should be added to the U.S. government’s lists of terrorist entities.The report will consider chapters operating in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan, assessing their activities under the legal frameworks of 8 U.S.C. 1189 and 50 U.S.C. 1702, and also executive Order 13224.
According to the order, the ultimate goal is to dismantle the capabilities and operations of any designated chapters, cutting off their funding and eliminating the threat they pose to U.S. citizens and national security.
Alleged Ties to Recent Attacks
The administration points to recent events as justification for the heightened scrutiny. Following the October 7,2023,attacks in Israel,reports indicate the military wing of the Lebanese chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood allegedly assisted terror groups in launching rocket attacks targeting both civilian and military sites within Israel.
A senior official stated that a leader within the egyptian Muslim Brotherhood encouraged violent attacks against U.S. interests and partners in the Middle East on the same day as the Hamas attacks. Furthermore, intelligence suggests Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood leaders have provided material support to the militant wing of Hamas for an extended period.
Broader Counterterrorism Efforts
This action is part of a broader pattern of aggressive counterterrorism measures undertaken by the Trump administration.In January, the process to designate Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as an FTO was initiated to bolster the security of regional allies. In February, the State Department designated eight cartels – including Tren de Aragua and MS-13 – as FTOs and SDGTs to combat drug trafficking and violence.
The administration has also emphasized its commitment to removing foreign terrorist threats from U.S. soil,with hundreds of terrorist gang members deported. A proclamation signed in June restricts entry for non-immigrants from countries with a history of terrorism or instability. President Trump has also authorized lethal strikes against narcoterrorists to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the country.
“We will never allow foreign terrorist enemies to operate on American soil and endanger our people,” a statement released by the White House affirmed.
The Executive Order represents another step in President Trump’s ongoing commitment to international peace and stability, and to safeguarding American security.
