President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing the State and Treasury Departments to begin the process of designating specific chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The order specifically targets the group’s branches in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, citing their direct involvement in violence and rocket attacks on Israel following the October 7, 2023 assault. This directive initiates a 30-day review period led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Background
Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood has evolved into a transnational network. While previous U.S. administrations hesitated to apply a blanket terrorist designation due to the group’s political integration in some nations, recent developments have shifted this stance. The move follows the state of Texas declaring the group a terrorist organization and a comprehensive report by ISGAP warning of the Brotherhood’s infiltration into Western institutions. The executive order explicitly notes that the Lebanese chapter’s military wing joined forces with Hamas and Hezbollah to launch attacks against Israel.
Analysis
This designation marks a decisive pivot in U.S. foreign policy, signaling a “maximum pressure” approach toward political Islamist networks that utilize violence. By targeting the Brotherhood, the administration is aiming to sever the financial and ideological lifelines of groups like Hamas. Strategically, this complicates the operational landscape for regional actors. While the Brotherhood is Sunni, its tactical cooperation with Iran-backed proxies like Hezbollah has allowed Tehran to project power across sectarian lines. This U.S. action disrupts that convergence, forcing regional patrons of the Brotherhood to reassess their alliances or face potential secondary sanctions.
Conclusion
Upon completion of the review, the designation is expected to result in asset freezes, travel restrictions, and criminal penalties for material support, significantly curbing the group’s influence in the Levant.
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