US President Initiates Review for Muslim Brotherhood FTO Status Amidst Texas Designations

Congressman Randy Fine has publicly advocated for the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), stating, "> Designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization is a great start. Now let’s do the same with @CAIRNational. We can’t allow America to be destroyed from within." This call comes as President Donald Trump recently initiated a federal process to consider such a designation for specific Muslim Brotherhood chapters, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already enacted state-level FTO designations for both groups.

On November 24, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretaries of State and Treasury to evaluate certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, particularly those in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, for federal FTO and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) status. The White House cited concerns over their alleged involvement in violence and destabilization, noting the Lebanese chapter's reported participation in rocket attacks against Israel following the October 7, 2023, events. This move sets in motion a formal review process that could lead to significant federal sanctions.

Separately, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, on November 18, 2025, officially designated both the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as FTOs and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) under state law. This state-level action prohibits these organizations and their affiliates from purchasing or acquiring land within Texas and authorizes heightened enforcement. Governor Abbott asserted that CAIR was formed as a "front group" for Hamas and its support network, referencing its naming as an "unindicted co-conspirator" in a past federal terrorism financing case.

CAIR has vehemently rejected Governor Abbott's designation, labeling it as "defamatory and lawless" and a violation of constitutional rights. The organization has filed a federal lawsuit against the State of Texas, arguing that FTO designations fall under federal, not state, jurisdiction and that the governor's actions are an attempt to silence criticism. CAIR maintains its identity as an independent American civil rights organization that condemns all forms of unjust violence.

The push for federal FTO designation for the Muslim Brotherhood is not new, with several members of Congress, including Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart and Jared Moskowitz, having repeatedly introduced legislation to that effect. Countries such as Austria, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have already classified the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. A federal FTO designation carries severe legal ramifications, including prohibitions on providing material support and asset freezing.