Washington, DC – United States President Donald Trump has directed his administration to begin the process of designating branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as “terrorist” organisations, citing their alleged links to the Palestinian group Hamas.
The order, issued on Monday, marks a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to counter groups it claims threaten US interests in the Middle East. The White House cited alleged support from Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood leaders for Hamas and claims that the Lebanese branch, known as al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, has aligned with both Hamas and Hezbollah in their conflicts with Israel.
An Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood leader was also accused of calling for attacks on US allies and interests during Israel’s conflict in Gaza, although specific details were not provided. The White House described the move as part of a broader effort to confront the Muslim Brotherhood’s transnational network, which it says fuels terrorism and regional instability.
The decree instructs the US Secretary of State and Treasury Secretary to work with the director of national intelligence and submit a report on the designations within 30 days. Following the report, the branches could officially be listed as foreign terrorist organisations within 45 days, a process that often proceeds as a formality. The order also allows for the possibility of blacklisting other branches of the Brotherhood and designating them as “global terrorists.”
Such designations would criminalise material support to these groups, restrict entry to the US for current and former members, and enable economic sanctions aimed at cutting off funding.
Founded in 1928 by Egyptian scholar Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood operates across the Middle East in various political and social organisations. While some branches participate in elections and claim commitment to peaceful political engagement, the group has been banned in multiple countries.
The blacklisting aligns with long-standing demands from right-wing US activists, though critics warn the move could embolden authoritarian regimes and suppress political freedoms in the region. Observers also cautioned that it may be used to target Muslim American activists and charities, despite assurances from organisations like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that American-based Muslim charities operate transparently and lawfully.
Analysts describe the announcement as largely symbolic, intended to appeal to domestic audiences. Rami Khouri, a distinguished fellow at the American University of Beirut, said the order “is more about US domestic politics than the Middle East,” adding that it may have little tangible impact on regional dynamics.
The decision comes as the US continues to mediate efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, a process complicated by ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas. The White House maintains that the action underscores America’s commitment to combating terrorism and protecting its allies.
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