President Donald Trump has ordered senior administration officials to begin the rigorous investigation necessary to designate chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist groups, a move that would target the group with economic and travel sanctions, among other actions. However, some conservatives are saying it does not go far enough.
His executive order on Monday calls for senior administration officials to produce a report investigating whether the branches in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan should be listed as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists.
The order cites the groups' alleged ties to Hamas, and "destabilization campaigns that harm their own regions, United States citizens, and United States interests."
The executive order directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to consult Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and to produce a report within 30 days.
The designation will make it illegal to provide support for the group. It would also lead to economic sanctions, and the banning of its members from entering the US.
In a statement released to CHQ the White House said of the executive order:
SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN SECURITY AND DEFENDING U.S. INTERESTS ABROAD: President Trump continues to prioritize robust counterterrorism measures to protect Americans and strengthen national security against foreign threats, while promoting peace and stability around the world.
With today’s Order, said the White House statement, President Trump is once again taking steps to preserve international peace and stability and keep America safe.
President Trump’s action was largely met with support and approval, however, not all conservatives were satisfied, with some arguing it doesn’t go far enough.
Amy Mekelburg, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of RAIR Foundation USA, (@AmyMek) issued a statement saying in part, “The Executive Order President Trump signed today on the Muslim Brotherhood is, unfortunately, far weaker than what America needs- and far weaker than what many were led to expect.
“Instead of designating the actual operational hubs of the Muslim Brotherhood - Qatar, Turkey, and the Syria-based leadership networks- the EO focuses on “chapters” in places like Egypt and Jordan, where the Brotherhood is already banned, fractured, or effectively defunct.
“That means the most aggressive, well-funded, and politically influential arms of the Muslim Brotherhood were deliberately left untouched.
“If the goal is actually to neutralize the Muslim Brotherhood,” said Ms. Mekelburg, “the standard must be simple: Designate all organizations that identify with, fund, support, or advance the Brotherhood’s agenda — including any entity that promotes replacing the U.S. Constitution with Shariah law or Islamic governance.”
Our take is that Amy has a point, and further, that the order is somewhat oddly legalistic in its focus on “chapters.” Still, it represents an important first step in what could be President Trump’s most consequential action as President – rolling back the Islamization of America.
George Rasley is editor of Richard Viguerie's ConservativeHQ.com. A veteran of over 300 political campaigns, he served as a staff member or advance representative for some of America’s most recognized conservative political figures, including Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin and Jack Kemp. A member of American MENSA, he served on the House and Senate staff and on the staff of Vice President Dan Quayle. Rasley is a graduate of Hanover College and studied international affairs at Oxford University's Worcester College. Rasley has lived, worked and travelled extensively in the Muslim world, including staffing Vice President Quayle on official visits to Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
His executive order on Monday calls for senior administration officials to produce a report investigating whether the branches in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan should be listed as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists.
The order cites the groups' alleged ties to Hamas, and "destabilization campaigns that harm their own regions, United States citizens, and United States interests."
The executive order directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to consult Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and to produce a report within 30 days.
The designation will make it illegal to provide support for the group. It would also lead to economic sanctions, and the banning of its members from entering the US.
In a statement released to CHQ the White House said of the executive order:
- The Order directs the two aforementioned Secretaries, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, to submit a report on whether to designate any Muslim Brotherhood chapters, such as those in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan, as FTOs under 8 U.S.C. 1189 and SDGTs under with 50 U.S.C. 1702 and Executive Order 13224.
- It mandates the Secretary of State and Secretary of Treasury take action within 45 days after the report to designate chapters as FTOs and SDGTs if appropriate.
- The Order’s ultimate aim is to eliminate the designated chapters’ capabilities and operations, deprive them of resources, and end any threat such chapters pose to U.S. nationals and the national security of the United States.
- In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack, the military wing of the Lebanese chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood helped terror groups launch multiple rocket attacks against both civilian and military targets within Israel.
- A senior Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood leader encouraged violent attacks against U.S. partners and equities in the Middle East on the same day that Hamas perpetrated the October 7 attack.
- Reports indicate Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood leaders have long provided material support to the militant wing of Hamas.
SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN SECURITY AND DEFENDING U.S. INTERESTS ABROAD: President Trump continues to prioritize robust counterterrorism measures to protect Americans and strengthen national security against foreign threats, while promoting peace and stability around the world.
- In January, President Trump initiated the process to designate Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as an FTO to ensure the safety and stability of our closest regional partners in the Middle East.
- In February, President Trump’s State Department designated eight cartels as FTOs and SDGTs, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, to combat their violence and drug trafficking.
- In February, President Trump’s State Department designated eight cartels as FTOs and SDGTs, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, to combat their violence and drug trafficking.
- This Administration has deported hundreds of terrorist gang members, and will never allow foreign terrorist enemies to operate on American soil and endanger our people.
- In June, President Trump signed a Proclamation to restrict the entry of non-immigrants from countries with a history of terrorism or other lawlessness.
- President Trump has repeatedly ordered lethal strikes against narcoterrorists to stop drugs from flooding into our country.
With today’s Order, said the White House statement, President Trump is once again taking steps to preserve international peace and stability and keep America safe.
President Trump’s action was largely met with support and approval, however, not all conservatives were satisfied, with some arguing it doesn’t go far enough.
Amy Mekelburg, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of RAIR Foundation USA, (@AmyMek) issued a statement saying in part, “The Executive Order President Trump signed today on the Muslim Brotherhood is, unfortunately, far weaker than what America needs- and far weaker than what many were led to expect.
“Instead of designating the actual operational hubs of the Muslim Brotherhood - Qatar, Turkey, and the Syria-based leadership networks- the EO focuses on “chapters” in places like Egypt and Jordan, where the Brotherhood is already banned, fractured, or effectively defunct.
“That means the most aggressive, well-funded, and politically influential arms of the Muslim Brotherhood were deliberately left untouched.
“If the goal is actually to neutralize the Muslim Brotherhood,” said Ms. Mekelburg, “the standard must be simple: Designate all organizations that identify with, fund, support, or advance the Brotherhood’s agenda — including any entity that promotes replacing the U.S. Constitution with Shariah law or Islamic governance.”
Our take is that Amy has a point, and further, that the order is somewhat oddly legalistic in its focus on “chapters.” Still, it represents an important first step in what could be President Trump’s most consequential action as President – rolling back the Islamization of America.
George Rasley is editor of Richard Viguerie's ConservativeHQ.com. A veteran of over 300 political campaigns, he served as a staff member or advance representative for some of America’s most recognized conservative political figures, including Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin and Jack Kemp. A member of American MENSA, he served on the House and Senate staff and on the staff of Vice President Dan Quayle. Rasley is a graduate of Hanover College and studied international affairs at Oxford University's Worcester College. Rasley has lived, worked and travelled extensively in the Muslim world, including staffing Vice President Quayle on official visits to Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
