Trump admin labels Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations

The Trump administration has designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt as terrorist organizations. The State Department labeled the Lebanese branch as a foreign terrorist organization, making it illegal to provide them with material support. The Treasury Department designated the Jordanian and Egyptian branches as specially designated global terrorists for supporting Hamas. These actions follow President Trump's executive order to consider certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters for terrorist designations. The administration claims these chapters engage in violence and destabilization that harm their regions, U.S. citizens, and U.S. interests. This move could strain U.S. relations with countries like Qatar and Turkey.

In January 2026, the United States designated Muslim Brotherhood organizations in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as terrorist groups. This decision, following President Trump's executive order, aims to counter what the US perceives as violence and destabilization by these groups. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US will use all available tools to deprive these chapters of resources. The designation makes providing material support to these groups illegal, bans members from entering the US, and imposes economic sanctions. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, has branches throughout the Middle East, including al-Jamaa al-Islamiya in Lebanon's parliament and the Islamic Action Front in Jordan's House of Representatives.