Trump Orders Review of Muslim Brotherhood for Terror Designation

President Donald Trump has initiated a comprehensive review process that could lead to the formal designation of certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as foreign terrorist organizations, marking a significant escalation in U.S. policy toward one of the Middle East's most influential Islamist movements.

The executive order, signed on Monday, directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to conduct a thorough assessment of Muslim Brotherhood chapters operating in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. The officials have been given a strict timeline to submit their findings and move forward with any recommended designations within 45 days of completing their report.

Strategic Implications for Middle East Policy

This move represents a potentially transformative shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the region, as the Muslim Brotherhood has maintained complex relationships with various governments across the Arab world for nearly a century. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the organization has evolved into a transnational network with affiliated groups and political parties spanning multiple countries.

The designation process could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. diplomatic relationships, particularly with nations where Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated groups participate in legitimate political processes. In Jordan, the Islamic Action Front, considered the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, has historically been part of the country's parliamentary system.

Regional Reactions and Concerns

The executive order comes at a time when Middle Eastern governments have varying approaches to the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt, under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has already designated the group as a terrorist organization and has conducted extensive crackdowns on its members and supporters since 2013.

However, other regional allies, including Turkey and Qatar, have maintained more supportive relationships with Brotherhood-affiliated groups, potentially creating diplomatic tensions if the U.S. proceeds with comprehensive designations.

Legal and Financial Ramifications

Should the review process result in terrorist designations, the affected organizations would face severe financial sanctions, asset freezes, and restrictions on U.S. citizens' ability to provide material support. These measures could significantly impact the groups' operational capabilities and international fundraising efforts.

The designation would also grant U.S. law enforcement agencies expanded powers to investigate and prosecute individuals or organizations suspected of providing support to designated Brotherhood chapters, potentially affecting diaspora communities and charitable organizations with historical ties to the movement.

The Trump administration's approach reflects a broader strategy of applying maximum pressure on organizations it views as threats to regional stability and U.S. interests in the Middle East.