US President Donald Trump has initiated a formal review process to designate select chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organisations (FTOs) or specially designated global terrorists (SDGTs). The move is expected to trigger sanctions on one of the Arab world’s oldest and most influential Islamist groups.
According to a White House fact sheet, Trump signed an executive order directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to assess whether Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon meet the criteria for designation. The report will guide further action, with any recommended designations required to proceed within 45 days.
The administration alleges that certain Muslim Brotherhood factions have supported or encouraged violent attacks against Israel and other US strategic partners. It also claims some have provided material support to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group already designated as a terrorist organisation by Washington.
The White House stated, “President Trump is confronting the Muslim Brotherhood’s transnational network, which fuels terrorism and destabilization campaigns against US interests and allies in the Middle East.”
Republicans have long pushed for a terror designation for the Muslim Brotherhood, arguing the group’s ideology provides cover for violent extremism. Trump pursued a similar effort during his first term, and senior officials — including Rubio — had signalled earlier in his second term that the administration was preparing a more aggressive approach.
Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, also a Republican, imposed a similar designation at the state level for the Brotherhood.
Founded in Egypt in the 1920s as an Islamic socio-political organisation, the Muslim Brotherhood grew into a powerful movement across the Middle East, often operating underground in countries where it was banned or heavily restricted.
The new US designations, if implemented, could have significant implications for Middle Eastern politics, diplomatic relations, and regional counterterrorism efforts.
Conversation
Be kind and stay on topic. Comments are moderated; abuse, spam and personal attacks are removed. Report a problem