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The Trump administration has officially designated three Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, fulfilling a key policy pledge and potentially reshaping U.S. relations with several regional allies. The Treasury and State departments announced sanctions Tuesday against the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the organization.
In what officials described as “opening actions of an ongoing, sustained effort,” the State Department classified the Lebanese branch as a foreign terrorist organization—its most severe designation—making it a criminal offense to provide material support to the group. The Jordanian and Egyptian branches were designated by the Treasury as specially designated global terrorists, citing their alleged support for Hamas.
“The United States will use all available tools to deprive these Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement following the announcement.
The designations come after an executive order signed by President Trump last year that mandated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary Rubio to determine appropriate sanctions against the groups. U.S. officials claim these branches engage in or support violence and destabilization campaigns harmful to American interests and regional security.
Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John Hurley stated, “The Muslim Brotherhood has inspired, nurtured, and funded terrorist groups like Hamas, that are direct threats to the safety and security of the American people and our allies.”
The targeted organizations have strongly rejected these designations. The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood issued a statement categorically denying involvement in terrorism and vowing to “pursue all legal avenues to challenge this decision which harms millions of Muslims worldwide.” Similarly, the Lebanese branch, known locally as al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, described itself as “a licensed Lebanese political and social entity that operates openly and within the bounds of the law,” adding that the U.S. decision “has no legal effect within Lebanon.”
The executive order specifically noted that a wing of the Lebanese chapter had launched rockets at Israel following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. It also cited Jordanian branch leaders for providing support to Hamas.
The Muslim Brotherhood has a complex history in the region. Founded in Egypt in 1928, it was banned there in 2013 following a military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Morsi, who had ties to the organization. Jordan implemented a sweeping ban on the group in April of this year, reflecting growing regional pressure against the organization.
Nathan Brown, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, suggested the designations would likely receive mixed reactions among U.S. allies. Countries like Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, which have taken hard lines against the Muslim Brotherhood, would welcome the move. However, for nations where the Brotherhood is tolerated, including Qatar and Turkey, the designations could complicate bilateral relations.
The professor also highlighted potential consequences for immigration and asylum cases, noting, “This would give immigration officials a stronger basis for suspicion, and it might make courts less likely to question any kind of official action against Brotherhood members who are seeking to stay in this country, seeking political asylum.”
This is not the first time the Trump administration has considered such action. During his first term in 2019, President Trump weighed designating the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization but did not proceed. The current decision follows pressure from prominent supporters, including right-wing influencer Laura Loomer, who have advocated for aggressive measures against the group.
At the state level, Republican-led governments in Florida and Texas had already designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization earlier this year, foreshadowing this federal action.
The move represents a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the Muslim Brotherhood and could have far-reaching implications for American diplomatic relationships throughout the Middle East, particularly as regional tensions remain high amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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20 Comments
The administration’s actions against these Muslim Brotherhood branches raise questions about its approach to counterterrorism and the balance between security and civil liberties.
It will be important for policymakers and the public to closely scrutinize the justifications and implementation of these designations to ensure they are well-founded and proportionate.
This move by the Trump administration seems to be part of its broader crackdown on perceived Islamist threats. The practical and diplomatic implications are worth close examination.
While combating terrorism is a legitimate concern, the designations raise questions about the administration’s approach and its potential impact on regional stability.
The administration’s move to label these Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations is a significant and potentially divisive policy decision.
It will be important for the public and policymakers to closely examine the justifications and potential impacts of these designations to ensure they are appropriate and well-considered.
Designating these groups as terrorists is a bold step, though some may argue it’s politically motivated. The administration seems intent on taking a harder line on perceived security threats.
It will be important to examine the evidence and legal rationale behind these designations. Transparency and due process are crucial when labeling organizations as terrorists.
The administration’s decision to label these Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorists is a controversial one that is likely to have significant geopolitical consequences.
It will be important for policymakers and analysts to carefully assess the evidence and rationale behind these designations to ensure they are well-founded and proportionate.
This action by the Trump administration reflects its hardline stance on perceived Islamist threats, but the potential impacts on U.S. relations and regional dynamics merit close scrutiny.
Designating these groups as terrorists is a serious step that could have far-reaching implications. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the consequences will be crucial.
Designating these groups as terrorists is a significant step that could have far-reaching implications. Careful analysis of the evidence and potential consequences is warranted.
These actions reflect the administration’s hawkish stance on Islamic extremism, but the real-world impacts remain to be seen. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation will be crucial.
This move by the Trump administration reflects its view of the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat. However, the regional implications could be complex and difficult to predict.
Assessing the potential impacts on U.S. relations with allies in the Middle East will be crucial. Nuance and diplomacy may be needed to navigate these sensitive geopolitical dynamics.
Interesting move by the Trump administration to designate these Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations. Curious to see how this impacts regional dynamics and U.S. relations in the Middle East.
This decision aligns with the administration’s tough stance on Islamic extremism. It will be important to monitor the practical implications and any unintended consequences.
This action by the Trump administration reflects its hardline stance on Islamic extremism, but the regional implications and potential unintended consequences merit close attention.
Designating these groups as terrorists is a complex and controversial move that will require careful analysis and ongoing monitoring to understand its full impact.