WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday directed U.S. officials to study whether certain Muslim Brotherhood affiliates in the Middle East should be designated as terrorist organizations, seeking to determine how the groups’ activities affect U.S. security interests and regional stability.
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, operates as a political and social organization across several countries. Its affiliates engage in political activity and community programs but face restrictions in states that view the movement as a security threat.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have already designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group. Their governments cite violence linked to affiliates and argue that the group influences political unrest in the region.
The White House said the proposal supports efforts to build closer ties with governments that oppose the Muslim Brotherhood. U.S. officials said the review will consider intelligence reports, security assessments, and the groups’ possible links to violence.
Administration officials said the review could lead to changes in foreign aid decisions related to governments or organizations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. They said any designation would follow established procedures for evaluating ties to extremist activity and threats to U.S. interests.
The administration plans to consult with U.S. allies as it conducts the review. Officials said coordination will be necessary to align counterterrorism strategies across the region.