Egypt Welcomes U.S. Designation of Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Entity

CAIRO – 13 January 2026:  Egypt welcomed the United States' announcement Tuesday designating the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" (SDGT) entity.

The Egyptian government described the move as a “significant step” that reflects the danger posed by the group’s extremist ideology and the direct threat it presents to regional and international security.

In an official statement, Egypt praised the efforts of the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump in combating international terrorism and confronting extremist organizations. The statement noted that the move aligns with Egypt's long-standing stance against the Muslim Brotherhood, which it classifies as a terrorist organization rooted in violence and incitement.

The Brotherhood, according to the statement, exploits religion to achieve political goals—a practice that Egypt and other regional nations have suffered from for decades. During this period, the group has committed crimes and acts of violence targeting Egyptian police, armed forces, and civilians in a systematic attempt to undermine national stability.

Egypt affirmed that the latest U.S. designation validates the firm position the state adopted following the June 30, 2013, revolution.

“This stance was taken in defense of the will of the Egyptian people and to safeguard national institutions, as the terrorist organization sought to hijack the state and employ violence and terrorism to impose its destructive agenda,” the statement said.

The government also emphasized that its immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism reflect an unwavering commitment to confronting extremist ideology to protect national security and state resources.

Egypt concluded by reiterating its commitment to strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism in all forms, dry up its intellectual and financial sources, and confront extremist organizations that threaten global peace. The state pledged to continue coordinating with international partners to eliminate terrorism in defense of the interests and stability of Egypt, the region, and the world.

The Trump administration labeled three Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations Tuesday, imposing sanctions on them and their members.

The Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood pose a risk to the United States and American interests, according to the Treasury and State departments.

"These designations reflect the opening actions of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters’ violence and destabilization wherever it occurs," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press. "The United States will use all available tools to deprive these Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism."