Trump Moves to Designate Certain Muslim Brotherhood Chapters as Terrorist Groups

In a significant shift in U.S. policy, President Donald Trump has signaled his intent to designate certain branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. This comes shortly after Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations, barring them from acquiring property in the state.

Background

The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, has evolved into a transnational network with branches across the Middle East and beyond. Trump's decision followed the release of a comprehensive 200-page report by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) warning of the group's growing influence in the U.S. The report alleges the Brotherhood has infiltrated government agencies, advised on civil rights policy, infiltrated educational institutions, and established a vast social media presence.

Key Developments

Trump's plan to designate the Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization or FTO, is set to proceed in the strongest and most powerful terms, with final documents being drawn. The president signed an executive order directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to begin the process of designating certain Brotherhood chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

The executive order invokes the Immigration and Nationality Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, citing the group's involvement in violence across the Middle East, including rocket attacks on Israel following an October 7, 2023, assault.

Implications and Reactions

The designations initiate a 30-day review by the State and Treasury Departments to identify Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon for possible designation. This could result in frozen assets, restricted travel, and the criminalization of material support for affiliated entities.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's designation of the Brotherhood and CAIR as terrorist organizations has already stirred controversy. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a prominent Muslim advocacy organization, has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas, claiming Abbott's decision violates both the U.S. Constitution and state law.

Conclusion

As the process of designating Muslim Brotherhood chapters as terrorist organizations begins, the implications of these actions raise numerous legal and geopolitical questions. With the federal lawsuit by CAIR against Texas, this issue promises to remain a contentious topic in the coming days and weeks.