Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced legislation on Tuesday that aims to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization. She characterized the bill as a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, advocating for what she described as a “strong, transparent national security vision” in line with President Trump’s “America First” approach.
The bill, titled the “Muslim Brotherhood is the Terrorist Organization Act,” would direct the Secretary of State to officially designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
“The Muslim Brotherhood not only supports terrorism, but it also promotes it,” Mace stated. “President Trump was correct in identifying the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat to global security.”
This proposed legislation would enhance key national security measures like financial sanctions, asset freezes, travel restrictions, and targeted law enforcement to dismantle the group’s operations both domestically and overseas.
Lawmakers highlighted the association of the Muslim Brotherhood with radical Islamist movements, emphasizing its role in promoting terrorism and undermining essential U.S. allies.
According to Mace, the bill signifies a substantial change in U.S. foreign policy, transitioning from a more lenient stance to one that is firmly supported by a clear national security vision championed by President Trump.
“We will protect our people,” she added.
The introduction of this bill has drawn sharp criticism from several European leaders, particularly those from Israel, who argue that addressing the Islamist movement has come at the cost of their own national security, especially in combating anti-Semitism. They have criticized the European governments for what they describe as “subordination to the Muslim Brotherhood” due to the influence of “useful idiots.”
Israeli lawmakers have pointed out the infiltration of civil institutions by the Brotherhood, referencing a recent internal report from France. The report contends that Muslim networks have been working for decades to establish a presence within governmental structures and radicalize Muslim communities, effectively creating a fifth column in France and across Europe, all while masking their true objectives under the banner of fighting “Islamophobia.”
“This is a troubling report that illustrates how schools, unions, and NGOs may be used by this movement to gain control over France from within,” commented the Israeli minister.
The report alleged that the French Ministry of Interior recognizes the need to engage with Muslim voters as a way to alleviate tensions and address Muslim aspirations, amidst rising concerns over the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence and the spread of political Islam.
