Lawmakers are taking a significant step by reintroducing legislation aimed at designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization under President Trump’s administration. On July 16, 2025, Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart and Jared Moskowitz unveiled the bipartisan Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025. This bill is poised to direct the President and Secretary of State to classify the global Brotherhood as a terrorist entity, effectively blocking financial transactions with it and barring entry for its members to the United States. Additionally, this legislation mandates regular reports on Brotherhood branches involved in terrorist activities.
Díaz-Balart stated, “The Brotherhood’s vast network, including Hamas, spreads violence across the Middle East and poses a threat to U.S. national security.” This statement underscores serious concerns over the Brotherhood’s historical ties to violence. Despite its frequent claims of being a peaceful political and social movement, its past actions tell a different story. In mid-20th century Egypt, the Brotherhood undertook violent acts, including assassinations and bombings. Notably, they were behind the killing of Egyptian Prime Minister Mahmoud an-Nuqrashi in 1948 and an assassination attempt on Judge Ahmad El-Khazindar in 1949. Moreover, Brotherhood members have been linked to attacks on British targets and Jewish businesses in Cairo.
Fast forward to the aftermath of the Brotherhood’s rise to power in Egypt following the Arab Spring. After the military coup that ousted Mohamed Morsi in 2013, the Brotherhood was accused of orchestrating violent protests and attacks on police stations and churches. While Brotherhood leaders denied these allegations, accusations lingered, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding the group.
One of the most notable offshoots from the Brotherhood is Hamas, formed in 1987 as its Palestinian branch. Hamas has conducted numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel, including the devastating attack on October 7, 2023, which tragically resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, primarily civilians. Other Islamist factions trace their origins back to Brotherhood networks, illustrating the widespread impact of its ideology.
The reach of the Brotherhood extends beyond its direct branches. Sayyid Qutb, a key intellectual figure within the organization, has significantly influenced ideologies that underpin groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. His works have shaped global jihad strategies and inspired other extremist factions, illustrating the Brotherhood’s role in the broader context of radical Islamist movements.
Notably, in 1991, an internal strategy document from the Brotherhood’s U.S. Shura Council outlined its long-term objectives for establishing and expanding Muslim influence in North America. Seized by the FBI and presented as evidence during the Holy Land Foundation trial, the memo describes a “civilization-jihadist” strategy. It emphasizes gradual infiltration through individuals, families, and institutions while promoting coalition-building among Muslim groups under Brotherhood leadership. The process advocates patience, urging followers to build cultural authority, neutralize opposition, and leverage political and legal tactics to reshape American institutions.
This methodical approach signals a clear intent for sustained influence within the United States, linking ideological goals with practical strategies aimed at embedding Islamic values within various societal sectors, from education to law.
The response from Arab governments has varied dramatically toward the Brotherhood, with nations like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE outright banning the organization due to perceived threats to their stability. Recent actions include Jordan’s crackdown on the Brotherhood, characterizing it as a security threat. In Egypt, the Brotherhood’s ascent to political power led to significant unrest, resulting in a military coup and subsequent violence against its supporters, culminating in its designation as a terrorist organization.
Conversely, Qatar has historically been a key supporter of the Brotherhood. Since the 1950s, it has provided sanctuary to exiled leaders and substantial financial backing. Qatar’s government funneled billions into Morsi’s administration and has consistently supported Brotherhood-related movements throughout the Arab Spring. Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has also positioned itself as a defender of the Brotherhood, backing its leaders post-Morsi and offering haven to various Islamist factions.
The U.S. administrations under Obama and Biden chose not to classify the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, a stance connected to a broader ideology focusing on diversity and inclusion. However, this reluctance stands in stark contrast to the actions of several Muslim-majority states that have already implemented bans. Critics have pointed out that legal and enforcement challenges are significant obstacles in pursuing such designations due to the Brotherhood’s decentralized nature.
With many Arab states receptive to the idea of labeling the Brotherhood a terrorist group, only Turkey and Qatar pose major opposition, especially considering their historical support for Hamas and the Brotherhood. As Trump appears prepared to move forward with this legislative effort, it remains to be seen how the administration will address the multifaceted challenges of implementation and broader regional implications.
"*" indicates required fields
