Trump Moves Against Muslim Brotherhood as Tensions Mount with Venezuela

US President Donald Trump has initiated a process to designate branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This executive order, issued on November 24, 2025, cites the groups' alleged support for the Palestinian militant organization Hamas, amidst a broader effort by the Trump administration to clamp down on perceived threats to US interests and allies in the Middle East.

The White House's decree accuses Muslim Brotherhood affiliates of providing "material support" to Hamas and Hezbollah, and of supporting destabilizing campaigns against US allies. Officials have signaled that following an intelligence report, which is expected within 30 days, the designation process could officially classify the groups as terrorists. This would result in severe restrictions, including a ban on support and potential economic sanctions to cut off their revenue streams.

Established in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Islamist organization that has been outlawed in several countries, including Egypt and Jordan. Critics argue that such designations could stifle political dissent and enable authoritarian crackdowns across regions affected by the Brotherhood’s political presence.

Meanwhile, tensions between the US and Venezuela have escalated, as the Trump administration has officially classified the so-called Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization. This move, made on the same day Trump's comments regarding the Muslim Brotherhood were publicized, is perceived by many analysts as part of a larger strategy to justify potential military action against Venezuela.

Critics of the US government's narrative on Venezuela claim that allegations of narco-terrorism serve as a pretext for regime change aimed at toppling President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuelan officials have decried the designation as baseless, labeling it an "illegitimate and illegal intervention" reflective of US historical patterns of foreign interference in Latin America.

Trump's comments regarding a supposed Venezuelan role in rigging the 2020 US election add an additional layer of complexity, suggesting that his administration's approach to Venezuela may also be driven by domestic political motivations. His recent reiteration of this conspiracy theory—despite a lack of evidence—has raised questions about the underlying motivations for heightened military presence in the region.

The implications of these actions are significant, potentially leading to increased military engagements and questioning of US intentions in both the Middle East and Latin America. As the situation evolves, observers are closely monitoring the potential for military intervention and the broader impact on regional stability. #MuslimBrotherhood #Venezuela #USForeignPolicy #MiddleEast #RegimeChange