Moves to Designate Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

November 25, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing his administration to begin the formal process of designating specific chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

The order targets branches of the group in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, stating that these chapters “engage in, facilitate, or support violence and destabilization efforts that endanger their regions, American citizens, and U.S. interests.”

Founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood is a pan-Islamist movement created with the aim of restoring Islamic values and strengthening the Muslim world against Western colonial influence. The organization has since grown across multiple Arab nations.

If the designation is finalized, Washington would be able to impose sanctions on the affected chapters, including freezing assets within the United States and restricting entry for members. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have been tasked with completing the legal procedures required to implement the designation.