Republican Senator Ted Cruz from Texas is poised to introduce comprehensive legislation designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, marking a significant escalation in economic pressure against the global Islamist movement and triggering sanctions across its worldwide network. The bill, whose text was obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, represents a "modern new strategy" specifically crafted to combat an organization that advocates terror against Israel, the United States, and Western governments. This legislation would authorize the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) through systematic identification of active terror affiliates operating globally. The current proposal distinguishes itself from previous failed attempts by implementing a "bottom-up" methodology, strategically mapping and delegitimizing branches that satisfy terrorist criteria while establishing the foundation for designating the entire organization.
The initiative mirrors the Trump administration's successful 2017 campaign that resulted in designating Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Several Arab nations – including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria – have already classified the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. With President Donald Trump's return to the White House, congressional momentum for this designation has significantly intensified.
The legislation has secured backing from prominent Republican senators, including Tom Cotton, Dave McCormick, Ashley Moody, and Rick Scott, alongside influential organizations such as AIPAC, CUFI, and FDD. AIPAC issued a statement emphasizing that "the Muslim Brotherhood supports Hamas and additional groups operating violently against United States allies in the Middle East." Alexandra Paolocci from FDD emphasized that "as part of efforts toward a new era of Middle East cooperation, the US must impose accountability on those spreading terrorist ideologies." CUFI Action Fund Chairman Sandra Hagee Parker declared that "the Muslim Brotherhood's distinctive network demands a modern law enforcement approach, which this bill delivers precisely."
The bill's text, scheduled for Tuesday presentation, grants Secretary of State Marco Rubio 90 days following enactment to deliver a congressional report listing all organizational branches and execute required declarations. The initiative encompasses three strategic tracks – congressional action under the 1987 Anti-Terrorism Act, State Department recognition of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, and specific designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Cruz's office confirmed the law "executes all three components." Previously designated terrorist organizations include Hamas, which explicitly identifies as a "Muslim Brotherhood branch," plus the Hasm and Liwa al-Thawra movements linked to the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.
