Muslim Brotherhood under Trump’s spotlight

After removing Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the United States Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) list, a new one seems to be entering it.

On 24 November 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that begins the process of designating certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood “as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.”

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?

The Muslim Brotherhood was established by Hasan al-Banna in Egypt in 1928. The abolition of the Islamic Caliphate and the loss of the symbol of Islamic unity (with the fall of the Ottoman Empire, for which the West was blamed), coupled with the European colonialism that followed, the attempt at Westernizing the region and the alliance between the Egyptian secular elites and the colonialists all prompted Banna to found the Brotherhood.

In the references of the Muslim Brotherhood, we find two parallel lines in the group’s thought: the writings of Hasan al-Banna and that of Sayyid Qutb (who founded the concept of political Islam based on the adoption of jihad. Both figures, however, promote the same core agenda (despite some differences): the establishment of an Islamic State and implementing Sharia law (given the group’s belief in the comprehensiveness of Islam).

It is worth noting that the group thrives in Egypt and Sudan, rules in Turkey (through President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party) and Gaza (through Hamas) and is also backed by Qatar.

What is the executive order targeting the Muslim Brotherhood?

The order targets specific chapters in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan, citing their alleged involvement in violence, destabilization campaigns, and direct support for militant organizations such as Hamas.

Under the directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, will deliver a joint report within 30 days recommending whether the specified Brotherhood chapters should receive the terrorism designations. Once submitted, the administration must act on the recommendations within 45 days.

What are the decision’s repercussions?

According to the White House, the purpose of this move is to “eliminate the capabilities and operations” of the targeted chapters, deprive them of resources, and address perceived threats to US citizens and international security.

The fact sheet accuses the Lebanese Brotherhood’s military wing of joining with Hamas, Hezbollah, and other factions in rocket attacks against Israel following the 7 October 2023 assault. It also alleges that senior Egyptian Brotherhood figures called for violent attacks against US partners, and asserts Jordanian leaders have historically supported Hamas materially.

Trump officials frame the action as part of a broader counterterrorism strategy, signaling a willingness to tighten financial and legal pressure on Islamist networks. Meanwhile, its effects will also be felt in Sudan, who has been fighting a brutal civil war. This designation could impose a siege on the group and weaken it, drastically altering the course of the ongoing war.

This move follows prior efforts by right-wing US lawmakers, including a proposed bipartisan bill to designate the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Supporters of the order argue it bolsters US security, while critics warn it may suppress political activism and further polarize Middle East politics.