Ask Onix
Trump Orders Review of Muslim Brotherhood Chapters for Terrorist Designation
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday directing top officials to assess whether branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan should be classified as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) or specially designated global terrorists (SDGTs). The move could trigger economic sanctions and travel bans against the group.
Allegations and Justifications
The order cites the chapters' alleged connections to Hamas and claims they engage in "destabilization campaigns" that threaten U.S. citizens and interests. Founded nearly a century ago, the Muslim Brotherhood is already banned in Jordan and Egypt, where authorities have accused it of undermining regional stability.
Process and Timeline
Under the order, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent-alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard-must submit a report within 30 days. If sanctions are deemed necessary, officials will have an additional 45 days to implement them.
A terrorist designation would criminalize material support for the group, freeze its assets, and bar its members from entering the U.S.
White House Statement
"President Trump is confronting the Muslim Brotherhood's transnational network, which fuels terrorism and destabilization campaigns against U.S. interests and allies in the Middle East," the White House said in a statement.
Recent State-Level Action
Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared the Muslim Brotherhood-and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest U.S. Muslim advocacy group-a foreign terrorist organization and transnational criminal entity. The order blocks both groups from purchasing land in Texas.
Background and Regional Bans
The Muslim Brotherhood, which advocates for Sharia-based governance, has faced crackdowns across the Middle East. Egypt outlawed the group years ago, while Jordan banned it in April after arresting members suspected of plotting rocket and drone attacks.
Trump previously considered designating the Brotherhood a terrorist organization during his first term, following discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi.
