PROTECTING AMERICA FROM UNUSUAL MENACES: Today, President Donald J. Trump enacted an Executive Order instructing the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to evaluate whether specific chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood warrant classification as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
- The Order tasks the aforementioned Secretaries, in collaboration with the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, to prepare a report assessing the potential designation of various Muslim Brotherhood chapters—including those in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan—as FTOs under 8 U.S.C. 1189 and SDGTs pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1702 and Executive Order 13224.
- It requires that the Secretaries of State and Treasury take decisive action within 45 days following the report’s submission to designate the identified chapters as FTOs and SDGTs if deemed appropriate.
- The primary goal of this Order is to dismantle the operational capabilities of the designated chapters, restrict their resource access, and neutralize any threats they may pose to U.S. nationals and the broader national security of the United States.
ADDRESSING TERRORIST MENACES: President Trump is taking a stand against the transnational network of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is accused of inciting terrorism and destabilization efforts targeting U.S. interests and allies across the Middle East.
- Following the October 7, 2023, attack, the military faction of the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood reportedly aided terrorist groups in launching multiple rocket strikes against both civilian and military sites in Israel.
- On the very day Hamas executed the October 7 assault, a high-ranking member of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood was noted for inciting violence against U.S. allies and investments in the Middle East.
- Additionally, there are indications that leaders within the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood have consistently provided material support to Hamas’s militant wing.
ENSURING AMERICAN SECURITY AND ADVANCING U.S. INTERESTS GLOBALLY: President Trump remains committed to implementing strong counterterrorism strategies designed to safeguard Americans and bolster national security against foreign threats, all while fostering global peace and stability.
- Earlier this year, in January, President Trump initiated steps to classify Ansar Allah, or the Houthis, as an FTO to enhance the safety and stability of our key regional partners in the Middle East.
- In February, the Trump administration’s State Department designated eight cartels, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as FTOs and SDGTs, aiming to combat their violent activities and drug trafficking.
- This Administration has successfully deported hundreds of members of terrorist gangs, affirming its resolve to prevent foreign terrorist entities from exploiting American soil and jeopardizing public safety.
- In June, President Trump signed a Proclamation aimed at restricting the entry of non-immigrants from nations with a documented history of terrorism or lawlessness.
- Moreover, the President has consistently authorized lethal strikes against narcoterrorists to stem the flow of drugs into the United States.
- With today’s Executive Order, President Trump is reaffirming his commitment to maintaining international peace and security while ensuring the safety of American citizens.
