Washington, D.C. – Amid rising debates over national security and foreign influence, advocates are pushing for a full ban on the Muslim Brotherhood in America, with no exceptions. The transnational Islamist organization, founded in Egypt in 1928, has affiliates in over 70 countries and promotes political Islam through social and economic programs. While not designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. federal government, several branches—like those in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan—have been blacklisted for alleged ties to Hamas and other militants.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in November 2025 targeting Muslim Brotherhood entities for their “campaign against U.S. interests and allies,” revoking visas and freezing assets. States like Texas and Florida have gone further, with Gov. Greg Abbott and Gov. Ron DeSantis designating the Brotherhood and its U.S. affiliate CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations in November and December 2025, respectively. These moves prohibit state dealings with supporters and empower law enforcement to monitor activities.
Proponents argue the Brotherhood’s ideology undermines American values, citing its historical links to extremism and calls for Sharia implementation. “A complete ban is essential to protect our democracy from infiltration,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, who reintroduced the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act in July 2025. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, aims to classify the group as a terrorist entity, enabling broader federal actions.
Critics, including CAIR, call it Islamophobic overreach that stifles free speech and targets Muslim Americans. “This isn’t about security—it’s scapegoating a minority,” said CAIR’s Nihad Awad, noting the Brotherhood’s non-violent U.S. operations focus on civil rights. Legal experts warn a ban could violate First Amendment protections for religious and political expression.
