The White House has issued an executive order initiating a process to consider designating certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). The order, signed by President Donald J. Trump on November 24, 2025, cites authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
According to the order, "This order sets in motion a process by which certain chapters or other subdivisions of the Muslim Brotherhood shall be considered for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, consistent with section 219 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1189) and specially designated global terrorists, consistent with IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702), and Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001 (Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism), as amended."
The document notes that the Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 and has grown into a transnational network with operations across the Middle East. The administration highlights concerns about activities attributed to its chapters in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. The order states that these groups have engaged in violence and destabilization efforts affecting their regions as well as United States citizens and interests.
"For example," it continues, "in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, the military wing of the Lebanese chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood joined Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian factions to launch multiple rocket attacks against both civilian and military targets within Israel. A senior leader of the Egyptian chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood, on October 7, 2023, called for violent attacks against United States partners and interests, and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood leaders have long provided material support to the militant wing of Hamas." The administration asserts that such actions threaten American civilians in the Levant region along with regional stability.
The policy outlined by this order is "to cooperate with its regional partners to eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters designated as foreign terrorist organizations pursuant to section 3 of this order," aiming to cut off resources from these entities.
Implementation steps require that within thirty days from issuance of this order, “the Secretary of State and Secretary of Treasury…shall submit a joint report” regarding possible designations targeting relevant chapters or subdivisions. Within forty-five days after submission of this report, appropriate action must be taken concerning any designations determined necessary.
General provisions clarify that nothing in this executive action impairs existing legal authorities or functions assigned elsewhere by law. It also specifies that implementation is subject to available appropriations.
"This order is not intended to, and does not," it concludes,"create any right or benefit… enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States…"
