Trump Administration Considers Action Against Muslim Brotherhood
Washington D.C. – President Trump has taken a step toward possibly labeling certain parts of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist groups. An executive order was signed directing top officials to look into designating specific chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
This order comes as concerns have grown about the group’s activities in the Middle East, especially its connection to violence against Israel after the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The order starts a 30-day review, led by the State and Treasury Departments, to look at Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. If designated, these chapters could face frozen assets, travel restrictions, and penalties for those who support them.
The President’s order highlights that the Muslim Brotherhood, which began in Egypt in 1928, has expanded into a network with groups throughout the Middle East. It points out that chapters in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt have been involved in violence that hurts the region, American citizens, and American interests.
The order states that after the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, the military part of the Lebanese Brotherhood joined with Hamas and others to launch rocket attacks on Israel. It also notes that a leader of the Egyptian Brotherhood called for attacks on U.S. allies, and Jordanian Brotherhood leaders have supported Hamas.
These actions, the order says, threaten the safety of Americans in the Middle East and the stability of our allies.
This move follows warnings about the Muslim Brotherhood’s growing influence in the United States.
Texas recently declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. A study by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) also warned about the group’s increasing influence in the U.S.
The ISGAP report claims that the Muslim Brotherhood has gained access to government agencies, influenced civil rights policy, entered educational institutions, and created a large social media presence. It also alleges that the group has targeted U.S. government agencies like the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice.
Charles Asher Small, executive director of ISGAP, welcomed President Trump’s statements, saying that it shows a growing understanding of the challenge that the Muslim Brotherhood poses to the United States and democratic societies.
