Trump Initiates Review of Muslim Brotherhood Amid Growing Concerns in the West

Trump Initiates Review of Muslim Brotherhood Amid Growing Concerns in the West

President Donald Trump’s recent executive order directs the State and Treasury departments to pursue terrorism designations for particular branches of the Muslim Brotherhood. This bold move signals a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards the group, which has been under scrutiny for its influence in the West.

Signed on November 24, this order lays the groundwork for the first comprehensive review of Brotherhood affiliates in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon under U.S. designation laws. It redefines Washington’s stance on Islamist movements that feature both political and militant elements.

Support from Lawmakers

Senator Ted Cruz from Texas expressed strong support for the initiative, labeling it essential for national security. He stated, “The Muslim Brotherhood and its branches encourage, facilitate, and provide resources for conducting jihadist terrorism across the world.” Cruz urged Congress to expedite the passage of his Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025 to complement Trump’s action.

Long-standing debates among officials regarding the Brotherhood’s structure and agenda have stalled previous attempts to classify the group as a terrorist organization. Trump’s executive order sidesteps this discussion by urging federal agencies to investigate individual branches that, according to analysts, already meet the necessary legal criteria for designation.

Concrete Actions versus Ongoing Debates

Mariam Wahba, a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, commented that the directive replaces years of debate with decisive action. She emphasized that this order compels U.S. agencies to evaluate Brotherhood entities as real organizations with established leadership, financing channels, and verified connections to terrorism. Wahba highlighted that the order assesses Islamist actors based on behavior rather than their public branding.

The Brotherhood’s Global Presence

Across the Arab world, the Brotherhood has faced severe restrictions. Egypt banned the group in 2013, citing efforts perceived as radicalization and attempts to undermine state authority. Soon after, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates designated it as a direct threat to national stability, a stance echoed by Bahrain. In a recent action, Jordan dissolved its local branch following arrests linked to illegal arms activities. Austria has also begun legal proceedings targeting networks associated with the Brotherhood as part of its broader counter-extremism measures.

Operational Freedom in the West

In contrast, the Brotherhood operates with much greater freedom in the West, particularly in the United States. Organizations tied to the Brotherhood function through various channels, including charities, advocacy centers, mosques, student organizations, and community groups. This relative openness has raised alarms among counterterrorism officials, especially after federal investigations revealed an internal memorandum detailing the Brotherhood’s strategy to influence and weaken Western institutions from within.

International Concerns and Reports

Earlier this year, a French government-commissioned report highlighted the Brotherhood’s growing influence in France, though the government has yet to formally implement an outright ban. This international perspective underscores the organization’s extensive reach and influence across various sectors.

The Brotherhood’s Historical Context

Founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt, the Brotherhood emerged in the wake of the Ottoman Empire’s collapse. The group has historically promoted the notion that Islam serves as a solution to contemporary political challenges, leveraging outreach and social services to expand its base. Influential scholars such as Sayyid Qutb have inspired various jihadist movements, including al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

Although the Brotherhood originally operated under a centralized leadership known as the