Trump Orders Review of Muslim Brotherhood for Potential Terror Designation

Justified legal strategy, or a conflation of religion with extremism?

Published 1 day ago·Updated 15 hours ago

Trump Orders Review of Muslim Brotherhood for Potential Terror Designation

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Above: Jordanian police close the entrance of a Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in Amman, Jordan, on April 23, 2025. Image credit: Salah Malkawi/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

Trump's strategic executive order finally tackles the Muslim Brotherhood threat through a smart, legally sound approach that previous failed efforts lacked. The branch-based designation framework targets the most dangerous elements of the group while building sustainable cases that can withstand court challenges. This methodical strategy will succeed where less targeted bans have failed.

FDD

RapidResponse47 on X

Left narrative

This move risks conflating political Islam with violent extremism. It could suppress peaceful political movements, legitimize authoritarian crackdowns and fuel anti-Muslim sentiment by branding entire organizations as terrorists without clear evidence. Such sweeping designations may provoke backlash that ultimately weakens efforts to counter extremist threats.

The Washington Post

Right narrative

Trump's executive order on the Muslim Brotherhood is a complete disappointment that falls far short of real action. The order merely establishes a 75-day review process rather than immediately designating the organization as a terrorist group. This anti-climactic move shows Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood's disturbing influence over America continues unchecked.

Laura Loomer on X