America Finally Moves to Confront the Muslim Brotherhood

For decades, the Muslim Brotherhood has been treated in Washington with a strange mix of caution and naivety. Founded in 1928 in Egypt, the group has been the ideological seedbed for violent organizations like Hamas, Al-Qaeda, and even ISIS. While it has mastered the art of presenting itself as a political or social movement, its global agenda has always been to undermine democracy and push Islamist supremacy under the cloak of moderation.

Now, the United States looks set to finally drop the blindfold. Senator Marco Rubio has confirmed that efforts are underway to formally designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization. Such a move would not only acknowledge the group’s deep ties to jihadist networks but would also mark a long overdue shift in U.S. counterterrorism strategy. By holding the Brotherhood accountable, Washington would send a clear signal: America will no longer tolerate groups that operate as “friendly faces” while harboring ties to terrorists.

The implications of this step are huge. A terrorist designation means sanctions, financial blackouts, visa restrictions, and expanded surveillance of affiliated organizations. Front groups operating in the U.S., often disguised as civil society or advocacy organizations, would face new scrutiny. For years, Brotherhood-linked groups like CAIR and ISNA have positioned themselves as mainstream representatives of American Muslims, while critics argue they serve as soft power extensions of the Brotherhood’s agenda. This designation could finally force transparency where it’s long been avoided.

Critics will no doubt argue that this move risks alienating allies in the Middle East or stoking backlash. But the cost of inaction has been far higher. The Brotherhood thrives in ambiguity, embedding itself in political systems until it becomes untouchable. By officially designating it a terrorist organization, the U.S. would be stripping away that mask. It’s a decisive step — one that should have been taken decades ago.