US President Donald Trump has initiated a review concerning the potential designation of specific chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. This action may lead to targeted economic and travel sanctions against these groups.
Investigation into the Muslim Brotherhood’s Activities
On Monday, Trump issued an executive order tasking his senior advisers to investigate the branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. The goal is to determine if these branches should be classified as foreign terrorist organizations and be designated as specially designated global terrorists.
The executive order reflects concerns over the Muslim Brotherhood’s alleged connections to Hamas and its activities that purportedly destabilize regions, threaten United States citizens, and undermine U.S. interests.
Key Figures Involved in the Review
The order directs key officials to collaborate on the investigation:
- US Secretary of State: Marco Rubio
- Treasury Secretary: Scott Bessent
- Attorney General: Pam Bondi
- Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard
These officials are required to submit a report within 30 days. If they conclude that sanctions are justified, the U.S. will have 45 days to implement these measures.
Potential Implications of the Designation
If designated as a terrorist organization, it would become illegal to support the Muslim Brotherhood. This designation would also result in economic sanctions and restrict entry to the United States for its members.
The White House stated, “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.”
Recent Developments in Texas
In a related move, the governor of Texas recently declared the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization. This designation also extends to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a prominent Muslim advocacy group in the United States. Consequently, both organizations are now barred from purchasing land in the state.
The Muslim Brotherhood’s Global Presence
Founded nearly 100 years ago in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood has established local branches worldwide. These chapters often have varying ideologies, with a shared aim of establishing governance characterized by Sharia law.
Notably, the Muslim Brotherhood is banned in Egypt and several neighboring Arab countries. Governments in these regions perceive the group as a significant threat. Jordan, for instance, prohibited the organization in April after the arrest of members suspected of plotting aggressive attacks.
