Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Diaz-Balart, Mario [R-FL-26]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 3, 2025
Bottom line
This bill legislatively compels the U.S. executive branch to formally designate the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates as terrorist organizations, imposing sanctions and immigration restrictions.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the President to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and impose sanctions on it and its affiliates. It amends the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987 to explicitly include the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, alongside the PLO, and requires the Secretary of State to impose immigration restrictions on its members. The bill also mandates annual reporting to Congress on Muslim Brotherhood branches globally and their designation status.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is a critical national security measure, asserting that the Muslim Brotherhood has documented ties to terrorist groups like Hamas and actively destabilizes U.S. allies in the Middle East. They contend that formalizing this designation aligns U.S. policy with several key partners and provides necessary tools to counter a significant global threat.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that a mandatory, broad designation of the Muslim Brotherhood could be overly expansive, potentially impacting legitimate political or charitable organizations and complicating diplomatic relations. They may also raise concerns about removing executive branch discretion in foreign policy designations and the potential for unintended consequences in complex geopolitical environments.
The bill is concise and its core provisions are clearly stated, allowing an informed reader to quickly grasp its main implications.
Section 2(a), (b), (c)
Expansion of Anti-Terrorism Act to Include Muslim Brotherhood
This provision amends the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987 to explicitly state that the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates are terrorist organizations, placing them alongside the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). It also expands existing prohibitions on operations within the United States to include the Muslim Brotherhood, making it illegal for them or their affiliates to operate in the U.S. or benefit from U.S. activities.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this amendment is crucial for national security, formally recognizing the Muslim Brotherhood's alleged ties to terrorism and its destabilizing activities, thereby providing a stronger legal basis for U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
Critics contend
Opponents may contend that such a broad statutory designation could be problematic, potentially criminalizing a wide range of activities and organizations, some of which may not be directly involved in terrorism, and could complicate U.S. diplomatic efforts.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for a strong, clear stance against perceived terrorist threats with the potential for overreach and diplomatic complexities arising from a broad, legislatively mandated designation.
Section 2(d), adding new Section 1006 to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987
Mandatory Immigration Restrictions for Muslim Brotherhood Members
This provision mandates the Secretary of State to impose sanctions on any foreign person determined, based on credible evidence, to be a Muslim Brotherhood member. These sanctions include making such individuals inadmissible to the United States, ineligible for visas or parole, and requiring the immediate revocation of any current U.S. visas they may hold. This aims to prevent individuals associated with the organization from entering or remaining in the U.S.
Section 3(b)
Secretary of State Annual Report on Muslim Brotherhood Branches
This provision requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to relevant congressional committees. This report must identify all Muslim Brotherhood branches globally, including those operating in specific listed countries and jurisdictions. For each identified branch, the report must determine whether it has been designated under U.S. counterterrorism authorities (like Foreign Terrorist Organization or Specially Designated Global Terrorist) and whether its activities meet the criteria for such designation.
Section 3(d)
Mandatory Sanctions on Muslim Brotherhood and its Branches
This provision mandates the President to impose sanctions on the Muslim Brotherhood (or any successor organization) within 90 days of the bill's enactment, requiring its designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) or Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Additionally, within 30 days of each annual report, the President must impose sanctions on any Muslim Brotherhood branch whose activities meet the criteria for such designations. Once sanctioned, these branches cannot have sanctions removed for a minimum of four years.
This section broadly defines 'Muslim Brotherhood branch' to include any entity 'directly or indirectly owned or controlled, or otherwise directly or indirectly affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.' It explicitly names Hamas and Lajnat al-Daawa al-Islamiya, and then lists a wide range of countries and jurisdictions where 'any other such organization' operating there would also be considered a branch.
Section 2(d), adding new Section 1007(3)
Why it matters:While defining terms is standard legislative practice, the extreme breadth of this particular definition is highly consequential. Its placement in a definitions section, rather than a main operative clause, could be seen as a way to ensure comprehensive coverage without drawing immediate attention to the full scope of its reach.
Case for: Proponents would argue that this broad definition is essential to effectively counter the diffuse, interconnected, and often covert nature of the Muslim Brotherhood's global network, preventing evasion of sanctions and ensuring comprehensive targeting of its affiliates.
Case against: Opponents might argue that this definition is dangerously vague and overreaching, potentially ensnaring legitimate non-terrorist organizations or individuals who have only loose, historical, or indirect ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. This could lead to unintended consequences, legal challenges, and alienation of various communities or governments.
Estimated impact: Significantly expands the potential scope of entities and individuals globally that could be subject to U.S. counterterrorism measures, including financial sanctions and immigration restrictions.