U.S. Designates Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist Organizations
The Trump administration has officially labeled three Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, subsequently imposing sanctions on them and their members. The actions target the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the group, citing risks to U.S. interests.
Specific Designations and Actions
- The State Department designated the Lebanese branch, al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, as a foreign terrorist organization, making material support a criminal offense.
- The Treasury Department listed the Jordanian and Egyptian branches as specially designated global terrorists due to their alleged support for Hamas.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated these actions are the beginning of an ongoing effort to counter violence and destabilization associated with Muslim Brotherhood chapters.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the group's record of perpetrating acts of terror and the administration's intent to disconnect them from the financial system.
Background and Reactions
Last year, an executive order signed by Trump mandated Rubio and Bessent to determine methods for sanctioning these groups. The executive order specifically noted a wing of the Lebanese chapter launching rockets on Israel after the October 7, 2023, attack, and Jordanian leaders providing support to Hamas.
- Muslim Brotherhood leaders have denied supporting violence. The Egyptian branch rejected the designation, stating it would pursue legal challenges and denying involvement in terrorism.
- The Lebanese branch affirmed its status as a licensed political and social entity operating within Lebanese law, stating the U.S. decision has no legal effect in Lebanon.
- Egypt welcomed the designation, praising the Trump administration's efforts against global terrorism and describing the group as a threat to regional security.
Regional and International Implications
The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928, banned in Egypt in 2013, and in Jordan in April. Nathan Brown, a professor at George Washington University, noted that while countries like the United Arab Emirates might support the designation, it could strain U.S. relations with nations where the Brotherhood is tolerated, such as Qatar and Turkey.
Brown also indicated that the designation could affect visa and asylum claims for individuals associated with the Muslim Brotherhood in the U.S., Western Europe, and Canada, potentially providing immigration officials with a stronger basis for suspicion.