Trump Administration Designates Muslim Brotherhood Branches in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan as Terrorist Organizations
Date: January 13, 2026
Author: Jessica Martinez-Thompson
In a significant move, the Trump administration has officially designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood operating in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan as terrorist organizations. This decision, announced by U.S. officials, reflects ongoing concerns regarding the activities of these groups and their alleged connections to terrorism.
Key Details
The U.S. State Department has classified the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This designation is the most severe classification available, criminalizing any material support to the organization. The implications of this designation are profound, as it allows for enhanced law enforcement and intelligence operations against the group and its affiliates.
In addition to the Lebanese branch, the Jordanian and Egyptian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood have been designated by the U.S. Treasury Department as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT). This classification indicates that these groups are believed to be providing support to Hamas, a militant organization that has been involved in ongoing conflicts with Israel. The SDGT designation imposes sanctions on these organizations and their members, further isolating them from the international financial system.
This action follows an Executive Order signed by President Trump in November 2025, which directed a comprehensive review of organizations suspected of engaging in terrorist activities. The review culminated in the recent designations, which are part of a broader strategy to counteract terrorism and its financing globally.
Background
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, has been a controversial organization, often accused of fostering extremist ideologies. Its branches in various countries have been involved in both political and social activities, but their alleged ties to violence and terrorism have led to scrutiny from multiple governments, including the United States.
The designation of these branches as terrorist organizations is part of a larger trend in U.S. foreign policy aimed at combating groups that are perceived as threats to national and international security. The classification of the Lebanese branch as an FTO and the Jordanian and Egyptian branches as SDGTs aligns with previous U.S. actions against organizations linked to Hamas and other militant groups.
What"s Next
The designations are likely to have significant repercussions for the Muslim Brotherhood branches in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. The Lebanese branch, now classified as an FTO, will face severe restrictions on funding and support, while the Jordanian and Egyptian branches will encounter similar sanctions due to their SDGT status. This could lead to increased tensions in the region, particularly as these groups navigate their operations under the weight of international scrutiny.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these designations will affect the political landscape in the Middle East and the broader dynamics of U.S. relations with these countries. The implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy will be closely monitored by analysts and policymakers alike.
For more on related developments, see recent developments regarding U.S. foreign policy actions in the Middle East.
