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Trump Signals Plans to Designate Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organization
President Donald Trump announced his intention to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, citing growing concerns about the group’s influence in the United States. “It will be done in the strongest and most powerful terms,” Trump told Just the News over the weekend, adding that “final documents are being drawn.”
Trump’s announcement follows Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s recent declaration classifying the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. The move also comes on the heels of a comprehensive 200-page report released by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), warning about the group’s expanding footprint in American institutions.
The ISGAP report, a detailed investigation into the Islamist organization’s activities, claims the Muslim Brotherhood has successfully infiltrated multiple U.S. government agencies, including the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice. According to the study, this infiltration occurs through strategic career appointments and advisory roles.
“We welcome President Trump’s statements and the growing recognition that the Muslim Brotherhood, its ideology and network pose a serious challenge to the United States and democratic societies,” said Charles Asher Small, executive director of ISGAP, in a press release following Trump’s interview.
Small emphasized that a formal U.S. designation would represent “an important first step to confront the Muslim Brotherhood in the United States,” but cautioned that such an effort would require “sustained, evidence-based policy, serious scrutiny of its affiliated structures and funding streams, and long-term investment in democratic resilience.”
Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood is one of the world’s oldest and most influential Islamist organizations. The group has been banned in several countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which have designated it as a terrorist organization. However, the Brotherhood maintains it is a peaceful, democratic movement that rejects violence.
The ISGAP report challenges this characterization, alleging deep connections between the Muslim Brotherhood and terrorist entities. The study claims both al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood “share the strategic aim” of establishing an Islamic state governed by sharia law, differing only in tactics. While al-Qaeda embraces direct violent confrontation, the report alleges the Brotherhood employs a gradual approach that “allows it to maintain ideological continuity with militant jihad while avoiding direct confrontation.”
The report further alleges the organization has created a vast social media presence and has been involved in advising American civil rights policy while infiltrating educational institutions throughout the country. It also points to Qatar as a significant funding source for the group’s activities.
Sebastian Gorka, who previously served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism, expressed support for the potential designation on social media. “The Brotherhood is the progenitor of all modern Jihadist terror groups, from al-Qaeda to HAMAS,” Gorka posted on X. “The time has come.”
Beyond the terrorist designation, ISGAP says it has been working to gather scholars and experts on the subject to encourage Congress to act on the specific findings detailed in their report.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on Trump’s stated plans or the timeline for any formal designation process.
If implemented, the terrorist designation would have significant implications for organizations allegedly affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood operating within the United States, potentially affecting their funding, operations, and legal status.
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9 Comments
While I understand the security concerns, I’m curious about the potential implications and unintended consequences of this move. How will it impact Muslim communities and U.S. foreign relations in the region?
Those are valid concerns. The administration will need to carefully consider the geopolitical ramifications and ensure this designation is implemented judiciously to avoid escalating tensions or unfairly targeting innocent people.
As someone who closely follows issues of national security, I think this is a prudent move. The Muslim Brotherhood has a long history of extremism and violence that warrants this designation.
This is a complex issue without easy answers. I hope the administration will carefully weigh all the implications and consult a wide range of stakeholders before finalizing this decision.
While the Muslim Brotherhood’s ties to terrorism are well-documented, I worry this designation could have unintended consequences for religious freedom and civil liberties in the U.S. The administration should proceed cautiously.
This is a significant development. The Muslim Brotherhood’s extremist ideology and ties to terrorism are well documented. Designating them as a terrorist organization is an important step to counter their influence and protect national security.
The Muslim Brotherhood’s infiltration of U.S. government agencies is very troubling. This designation could help address that threat, but it will be critical to have strong oversight and transparency around the process.
I’m glad to see the administration taking a firm stance against the Muslim Brotherhood’s radical agenda. This sends a clear message that their activities will not be tolerated on U.S. soil.
I agree this is an important signal, but the execution will be critical. The government must ensure due process and avoid unfairly targeting innocent Muslim Americans in the process.