Trump Administration Designates Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist Organizations
The Trump administration has officially categorized three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, citing their activities as a threat to the United States.
The Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, known as al-Jamaa al-Islamiyah, has received the designation of Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), which is the most serious classification from the U.S. This categorization makes it illegal to provide material support to them. The organization’s leader, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, has also been named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
Furthermore, the Egyptian and Jordanian branches have been designated as SDGTs by the Treasury Department for allegedly providing material or financial assistance to Hamas.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. State and Treasury Departments have made these terrorist designations official. He underscored that under President Trump’s guidance, the U.S. is dedicated to undermining the capabilities of these regional branches.
Rubio stated that the intention is to dismantle the operations of these groups, which pose risks to both U.S. citizens and national security.
“These designations reflect initial steps in a longer-term effort to counteract the violence and instability created by Muslim Brotherhood chapters wherever they are active,” Rubio mentioned in the statement. “The U.S. will utilize all available resources to restrict these groups from financing or engaging in terrorism.”
This decision followed Executive Order 14362, signed by President Trump on November 24, 2025. The order called for assessing and designating certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters due to their ties to terrorism and their support for Hamas.
The designations will freeze any U.S. assets these groups might hold, generally preventing Americans or U.S.-based entities from engaging with them. Additionally, it bars members of the organization from entering the United States.
Overall, this initiative reflects a broader strategy to confront perceived threats from groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
