by The Hill –
President Trump on Monday signed an executive order that would allow his administration to designate certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations.
The order directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to determine whether any chapters of the organization warrant the designation, which would allow for increased sanctions and greater authority to disrupt financial support for those chapters.
“The Order’s ultimate aim is to eliminate the designated chapters’ capabilities and operations, deprive them of resources, and end any threat such chapters pose to U.S. nationals and the national security of the United States,” a White House fact sheet on the order said.
Trump had in recent days said he intended to sign such an order after some of his supporters, including right-wing activist Laura Loomer, had expressed frustration about the lack of action against the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 and has spread across the Middle East in the decades since. It has had a presence in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and elsewhere. Jordan earlier this year moved to ban the group after accusing it of planning attacks in the country, according to The New York Times.
Trump’s announcement comes days after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and transnational criminal organization.
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