Trump Administration Takes Step Toward Terrorist Designation for Muslim Brotherhood
President Donald Trump has directed his administration to study labeling specific chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, marking a significant step toward fulfilling his long-standing goal of applying the designation to the broader group. The executive order, signed on Monday, represents one of the most concrete actions taken by the Trump administration against the Islamist movement.
Key Officials Tasked with Review
In the executive order, President Trump specifically instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to conduct a comprehensive study examining whether Brotherhood chapters in several countries, including Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan, warrant the terrorist designation. According to a White House fact sheet, the ultimate aim of this order is to eliminate the capabilities and operations of designated chapters, deprive them of resources, and end any threat they may pose to U.S. nationals and national security.
The move comes after years of pressure from multiple quarters. Many members of the Republican Party, along with leaders from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, have consistently urged Trump to categorize the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Such a designation would subject the group to significant economic sanctions and travel restrictions.
Previous Resistance and Current Developments
This is not the first time the Trump administration has considered this action. During his first term, President Trump weighed designating the entire Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization but faced substantial resistance. Turkey voiced strong objections, while several advisers within his own administration warned that branding the Brotherhood as terrorists might inadvertently fuel extremism and upset Muslim communities worldwide.
The Muslim Brotherhood movement, which operates through independently functioning chapters across different countries, maintains a broad following in nations with large Muslim populations. While some political parties in various countries acknowledge ties to the Brotherhood, they simultaneously denounce violent extremism, creating a complex diplomatic landscape for such designations.
Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the terrorism designation was in the works, signaling the administration's continued interest in pursuing this policy direction. The current executive order represents the formalization of that process, moving it from consideration to active review.
The outcome of this study could have far-reaching implications for U.S. relations with several Middle Eastern countries and for counterterrorism efforts in the region. The review process is expected to examine evidence of terrorist activities and connections before making final recommendations to the president.
