US Muslim Brotherhood terrorist designation 2026: A sweeping crackdown on Middle East networks

The crackdown has officially begun. On January 13, 2026, the United States designated the Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as terrorist organizations. This move, following an executive order from President Donald Trump in November 2025, marks a significant escalation in Washington's strategy to isolate rivals of Israel across the region.

The impact of US Muslim Brotherhood terrorist designation 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that these designations are part of an "ongoing, sustained effort" to thwart destabilization. According to the AP, the legal ramifications are severe: providing material support to these chapters is now a federal crime, and members are largely barred from entering the US. Economic sanctions will also target their revenue streams, aiming to choke their operational capacity.

While the Muslim Brotherhood claims a commitment to peaceful political participation, its branches are deeply embedded in regional politics. In Jordan, the group's political arm, the Islamic Action Front, won 31 seats in the 2024 elections. In Lebanon, its affiliate al-Jamaa al-Islamiya holds positions in Parliament, though it has recently supported Hezbollah against Israel.

Domestic Backlash and Legal Challenges

The Muslim Brotherhood has rejected the order, citing foreign pressure from the UAE and Israel as the primary driver. Domestically, the ripple effect has reached US soil. Republican governors in Texas and Florida have moved to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) similarly, leading to immediate lawsuits from the civil rights group.