SECURING AMERICA FROM EXTRAORDINARY THREATS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to consider whether certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
- 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.
COUNTERING TERRORIST THREATS: President Trump is confronting the Muslim Brotherhood’s transnational network, which fuels terrorism and destabilization campaigns against U.S. interests and allies in the Middle East.
- 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.
- 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, President Trump is once again taking steps to preserve international peace and stability and keep America safe.