President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at designating specific chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. This is a big deal because it calls on the Secretary of State and the Treasury Secretary to do something. They must then create the report recommending that any branches of the Muslim Brotherhood be designated as such. The in-progress report will specifically measure the impact of these chapters, which are located in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan.
The effort is an example of a bigger play from the White House. It is intended to step up the already vigorous repression of the Muslim Brotherhood, arguably the oldest and most significant Islamist movement in the Arab world. Established in the early 20th century, the Muslim Brotherhood has expanded throughout various Muslim-majority nations, often operating clandestinely while influencing political and social landscapes.
The executive order requires that the Secretaries deliver their findings in no more than 45 days. The crux of the report will be to examine these potential impacts that could arise from designating these militant chapters as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation would trigger economic sanctions and other penalties on their activities.
Given this litmus test, undeniably Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent have been given the mission of writing such a report. The potential designation marks a significant escalation in the United States’ ongoing efforts to combat Islamist movements across the region.
“President Trump is confronting the Muslim Brotherhood’s transnational network, which fuels terrorism and destabilization campaigns against US interests and allies in the Middle East.” – White House fact sheet
The Muslim Brotherhood has been focal point of attention for its ambiguous role in many countries. In the process, it has crystallized into a potent and dynamic political force. Yet its methodological approaches and collaborative partnerships are frequently criticized by states wary of Islamist extremism. Aside from limiting the Brotherhood’s operational capabilities, the proposed designations would further reconfigure perceptions of the Brotherhood’s international legitimacy.
The report will more closely assess case studies in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. It will signal a greater likelihood of continued action against the organization in other countries where it operates. The executive order underscores a shift towards more aggressive policies aimed at groups perceived as threats to U.S. national security.