The Donald Trump administration has initiated a formal review of the Muslim Brotherhood’s chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon to determine if they should be designated as terrorist organizations under US law. This review, focusing on specific branches in these countries, aims to evaluate whether they meet the criteria for a terror designation. Trump’s executive order instructs senior officials to assess the activities of Brotherhood-linked chapters and determine if they qualify as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
The US Congress introduced the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025, and after bipartisan support, several Republican lawmakers urged the Trump administration to take a stronger stance against the organization. This call for action aligns with the requests from governments in West Asia that have already banned the Brotherhood and are pushing for similar measures from the US. Trump’s executive order marks the beginning of a structured review process, aiming to eliminate potential threats of designated chapters to US nationals and national security.
The review of Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan is based on specific grounds. In Lebanon, associations with Hezbollah in violent clashes have raised concerns about potential links to militant operations. In Jordan, the local Brotherhood branch allegedly supports Hamas’ militant wing, leading to accusations of involvement in extremist activities. Egypt’s chapter is under scrutiny after a senior figure reportedly called for violent attacks, suggesting a connection to Hamas’ assault on Israel in 2023.
A formal terror designation under US law would have far-reaching consequences, including freezing assets held by designated chapters within US jurisdiction and imposing criminal penalties on entities engaging with them. The review process aims to assess the activities of Brotherhood-linked chapters and their potential threats to US interests.
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in 1928 in Egypt, aimed to revive Islamic principles under Western colonialism. With a motto emphasizing jihad and dying for Allah, the organization adopted an armed wing for clandestine operations in its early years. Sayyid Qutb’s influence shifted the Brotherhood’s ideology towards violence, inspiring groups like al-Qaeda. The Arab Spring led to a brief rise to power for the Brotherhood in Egypt until a military coup reversed their fortunes.
Despite not having a formal presence in India, the Brotherhood’s ideology has influenced Islamist groups in the country, contributing to extremist activities and anti-India sentiments. The potential US designation of specific Brotherhood chapters could increase pressure on transnational Islamist networks targeting India. The complex structure and varied activities of the Brotherhood make a blanket terror designation challenging, prompting a chapter-specific review to overcome legal obstacles.
Efforts to designate the Brotherhood as a terrorist group have faced resistance due to concerns about its decentralized structure and potential repercussions on Muslim communities. Regional bans on the organization have led to unintended consequences, including a surge in violent extremist groups. By focusing on specific chapters, the US aims to address these challenges and enhance national security measures against potential threats posed by the Muslim Brotherhood.
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