Trump’s Executive Order on Muslim Brotherhood
On Monday, President Trump began the procedure to classify specific chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
The president signed an executive order instructing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to evaluate whether certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters should receive these terrorist designations.
He directed Mr. Rubio and Mr. Bessent, in collaboration with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, to prepare a report on particular chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, including those located in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan.
The order mandates that Mr. Rubio and Mr. Bessent take action within 45 days following the report if they deem it appropriate to proceed with the terrorist designations.
This designation would restrict the operational capabilities of these chapters within the U.S. and cut off their resources in an effort to mitigate threats posed to American citizens and national security.
The White House stated that the transnational network of the Muslim Brotherhood “fuels terrorism and destabilization campaigns against U.S. interests and allies in the Middle East.”
Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, it was reported that the military wing of the Lebanese chapter assisted terror groups involved in launching multiple rocket attacks against Israel.
A senior leader from Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood reportedly incited violent actions against U.S. partners on the same day as this attack, while evidence suggests that Jordanian leaders have long supported Hamas terrorists materially.
This is not Trump’s first move against foreign organizations; earlier this year, he initiated steps to designate Ansar Allah (the Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. In February, eight cartels were similarly designated by the State Department.
The White House noted that Trump has also imposed restrictions on non-immigrant entries from nations known for terrorism or lawlessness while ordering strikes against “narco-terrorists” to prevent drug influx into America.
Critics argue that Trump’s actions target specific countries unfairly and exceed his authority as commander-in-chief regarding military operations against alleged drug trafficking boats.
The White House emphasized: “This administration has deported hundreds of terrorist gang members and will never allow foreign terrorist enemies to operate on American soil and endanger our people.” They added that with this latest order, President Trump is reaffirming his commitment to maintaining international peace and security while safeguarding America.
