US President Donald Trump. Photo: AP
The Order, signed on 24 November, directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, to consider whether specific chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood — including those in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan — should be formally designated as terrorist organizations.
According to the fact sheet released by the White House, these officials are tasked with submitting a report “within 45 days” recommending whether such designations are warranted.
If deemed appropriate, the Secretaries are required to “take action” by designating these groups under 8 U.S.C. 1189 and 50 U.S.C. 1702, as well as Executive Order 13224, which would effectively target and disrupt their capabilities. The stated aim is to “eliminate the designated chapters’ capabilities and operations, deprive them of resources, and end any threat such chapters pose to US nationals and the national security of the United States.”
The White House framed the move as a direct response to what it describes as the Muslim Brotherhood’s “transnational network” that fuels terror and instability across the Middle East. The fact sheet cites the involvement of the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood’s military wing in facilitating “multiple rocket attacks” against both civilian and military targets within Israel following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.
It also refers to senior leaders within the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, designated as a terrorist group by Egypt, allegedly encouraging attacks against US partners in the region on that same day, as well as reports of the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood, a main opposition group in Jordan, providing material support to Hamas militants.
This order echoes previous Trump administration actions that have sought to stamp out threats linked to terrorism and narcotics trafficking. The fact sheet highlights earlier steps taken by President Trump in 2025: the initiation of the designation process for the Houthis in Yemen, the designation of eight notorious cartels as FTOs, and the strengthening of border restrictions aimed at preventing the entry of individuals from countries with histories of terrorism or lawlessness.
“President Trump continues to prioritize robust counterterrorism measures to protect Americans and strengthen national security against foreign threats, while promoting peace and stability around the world,” the White House stated. “With today’s Order, President Trump is once again taking steps to preserve international peace and stability and keep America safe.”
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