President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. officials to begin the process of designating Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as terrorist organizations, accusing them of supporting Hamas and, in Lebanon’s case, siding with both Hamas and Hezbollah in their war with Israel. The decree also cites an Egyptian Brotherhood leader allegedly calling for violent attacks, though the White House provided no clear evidence. The order directs the State and Treasury Departments to consult with U.S. intelligence and deliver a report within 30 days, after which a formal Foreign Terrorist Organization designation could follow within 45 days.
The move would make providing material support to these groups illegal, bar current and former members from entering the U.S., and allow economic sanctions to cut off funding. The decision fulfills a long-standing demand of American right-wing activists but has drawn criticism from experts who warn it could embolden authoritarian crackdowns and be used to target Muslim American organizations. CAIR’s executive director Nihad Awad said U.S. Muslim groups should remain unaffected, though he noted persistent conspiracy theories linking them to the Brotherhood. CAIR is also suing Texas Governor Greg Abbott for labeling it a terrorist organization.
I think it is important to take action on terrorist organizations in order to protect the US because of the attacks we’ve had in the past like 9/11. As Muslim brotherhoods in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan are in support of Hamas, and the US is in support of Israel, this opposition concerns Trump. I think if these groups pose a threat to the US, then this action should be taken even if some do not agree with the result.
President Trump has the right wing approach and is protecting America from potential threats and terrorist groups, however CAIR doesn’t want the American Muslim groups to be affected by this decision.
This situation reflects international security. The US is protecting their territory and sovereignty, controlling who can enter the country. As terrorist organizations are a security threat by using terror to achieve goals, this calls for America’s unilateral approach on Muslim brotherhoods. The US is intervening by conflicting without the consent from the Middle East countries with Muslim brotherhoods.