WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump said Sunday that he plans to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization. He revealed the move during an interview with Just the News, saying his team is preparing the final documents. The announcement marks a significant shift in U.S. policy and reflects growing calls from lawmakers and several policy groups to take stronger action against the Islamist organization.
Trump said the designation would come “in the strongest and most powerful terms.” His remarks follow months of pressure from Republican lawmakers, analysts, and advocacy groups who argue that the Muslim Brotherhood plays a major role in promoting extremism around the world. Federal officials say the designation would allow Washington to cut off financial support and limit the group’s activities in the United States.
Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott labeled both the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations as foreign terrorist organizations in his state. His action fueled momentum among conservatives who argue that national security requires a firm response to the Brotherhood’s global network.
The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 and has long been accused of inspiring extremist movements. Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, described itself in its founding charter as “one of the wings of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine.” Several Middle Eastern nations — including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain — have already designated the group as a terrorist organization. Egypt and Jordan have banned it.
Think tanks and security experts have also issued warnings. The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy said the Brotherhood has spent decades trying to influence Western institutions. Its director, Dr. Charles Asher Small, argued that the group seeks to weaken democratic systems from within. He called it a “transnational ideological project” that adapts to local environments while pushing its agenda.
While the Brotherhood operates through different branches, critics say its ideology promotes strict Sharia law and supports creating a global caliphate. A caliphate is a religious-based government that imposes harsh limits on civil liberties and enforces strict codes of conduct. Women often have fewer rights, and authorities use severe punishments.
A recent report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said the Brotherhood serves as “a gateway to terrorism.” The study claimed that some members eventually join extremist groups or create splinter organizations. Supporters of a federal designation argue that these links justify stronger action from the United States.
The organization rejected similar efforts during Trump’s first term. At the time, the group described its work as peaceful advocacy. It said it promotes “moderate and peaceful thinking” and aims to serve local communities. The Brotherhood’s motto underscores its religious message: “Allah is our objective. The Prophet is our leader. The Qur’an is our law. Jihad is our way. Dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope.”
For months, Republican lawmakers in Congress have urged the administration to list the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization. They argue that the group poses a long-term threat to U.S. interests and to democratic values around the world. In August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designation was “in the works.” He noted that the State Department would need to review each branch of the Brotherhood because the organization operates through separate entities in different countries.
Trump’s decision signals a major policy shift that could reshape how the United States deals with Islamist movements. Supporters say the move would protect national security and disrupt extremist financing. Critics warn that it could complicate diplomatic ties in the Middle East, where some political parties have historic ties to the Brotherhood.
The State Department is now reviewing the legal and diplomatic steps required for the designation. Once finalized, the move would mark one of the most sweeping counterterrorism actions of Trump’s presidency.
