Designation of Certain Muslim Brotherhood Chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists
11/24/2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: Initiate a process to designate specific chapters or subdivisions of the Muslim Brotherhood as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and specially designated global terrorists under U.S. law.
- Background Context: Highlights the transnational nature of the Muslim Brotherhood, noting violent activities and destabilizing campaigns in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, including involvement in attacks following the October 7, 2023 incident in Israel.
- Policy Objective: Emphasize U.S. cooperation with regional partners to dismantle the capabilities of designated groups, restrict their resources, and mitigate threats to U.S. nationals and national security.
- Implementation Timeline:
- Within 30 days: The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, after consulting with the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, must submit a joint report regarding potential designations.
- Within 45 days: Appropriate actions for designating the specified chapters under relevant statutes and Executive Order 13224 must be taken.
- Legal and General Provisions:
- Preserves agency and departmental authority under applicable laws.
- Implementation is subject to the availability of appropriations and does not create enforceable rights against the U.S. government.
- Publication costs to be borne by the Department of State.
Risks & Considerations
- The designation of certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations could impact international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University may have in regions such as the Middle East. This may necessitate reevaluation of joint research projects or academic exchange programs.
- The heightened security measures and potential for increased scrutiny on individuals or groups associated with these regions might lead to challenges for international students and faculty from or with connections to Middle Eastern countries, potentially affecting their visa statuses and freedom of movement.
- In an environment of increased geopolitical tension, there may be a heightened risk of backlash or protest activity on campus, potentially affecting campus security and requiring additional resources for management and prevention.
- The Executive Order could influence the funding and focus of research grants related to Middle Eastern studies, national security, and international relations, necessitating strategic adjustments in research directions and grant applications.
Impacted Programs
- The Office of International Affairs at Vanderbilt may need to provide additional support and guidance to students and faculty affected by the designations, including assistance with compliance and legal issues.
- The Center for Middle Eastern Studies might see changes in the scope of its research initiatives, with potential shifts in funding availability and collaboration opportunities with international partners.
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science and Department of Sociology could play critical roles in providing analysis and insights into the implications of these designations, both in academic research and in educational outreach.
- The Office of Community Engagement may need to address community concerns and foster dialogue to ensure a supportive environment for all students and staff.
Financial Impact
- Potential changes in funding opportunities for research related to the Middle East and security studies could affect the university’s financial strategy and allocation of resources.
- There might be decreased international enrollment from affected regions, which could impact tuition revenue and necessitate revised recruitment strategies to maintain student diversity and financial stability.
- Vanderbilt University could explore new funding sources focused on national security and counter-terrorism to offset any financial impact arising from shifts in existing research funding.
- Increased security measures and support systems could lead to additional costs for the university, impacting budget allocations for other programs.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance, international partnerships, and potential impacts on student and faculty support.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Political Science and International Relations Departments should conduct analyses of the geopolitical impacts of this executive order, particularly in relation to U.S. foreign policy and its effects on stability in the Middle East. This could enhance the university’s academic contributions and provide valuable insights for policy makers.
- The Office of Global Safety and Security should review and update travel advisories and safety protocols for students and faculty traveling to regions potentially impacted by the designation of Muslim Brotherhood chapters as terrorist organizations, ensuring their safety and compliance with U.S. regulations.
- Vanderbilt Law School could explore the legal implications of the executive order, such as the impact on international law and human rights. Developing seminars or courses around these topics can enrich the curriculum and attract students interested in international law.
- The Office of Research should identify potential research funding opportunities related to counter-terrorism and international security that may arise from increased federal focus on these areas, positioning Vanderbilt as a leader in these fields.
Opportunities
- The executive order provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies to expand its research and collaboration with international partners on the socio-political dynamics of the Muslim Brotherhood and its impact on regional stability and U.S. interests.
- By leveraging expertise in counter-terrorism and international relations, Vanderbilt can host conferences and symposiums discussing the implications of the designation, establishing itself as a thought leader on global security issues.
- There is potential for Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies program to develop policy recommendations that address the broader implications of the designation on U.S. foreign aid and diplomatic relations, enhancing its role in policy advocacy and advisory.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures, particularly in travel safety and international research collaborations.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Within 30 days from November 24, 2025: The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury must, after consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, submit a joint report concerning the designation of designated subdivisions as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists.
- Within 45 days after submitting the report: The relevant Secretary (State or Treasury) must take all appropriate action for the designation process.
The shortest timeline is 30 days, which places it in the 30-59 days category.
Relevance Score: 4
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of State: Tasked with coordinating the joint report and implementing actions regarding the designation of specific Muslim Brotherhood chapters as terrorist organizations, as well as handling publication costs.
- Department of the Treasury: Responsible for working jointly with the Department of State in assessing and taking action to designate the specified groups, in consultation with other agencies.
- Department of Justice (Attorney General): Consulted to provide legal and prosecutorial guidance regarding the designation under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence: Involved in the consultation process to provide intelligence assessments pertinent to the designation process.
- National Security Council (Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs): Acts as the conduit for the joint report to the President, thereby integrating national security considerations into the process.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Its functions related to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals are acknowledged as unaffected, ensuring continuity in fiscal oversight during implementation.
Relevance Score: 3 (Six Federal Agencies are impacted, aligning with the criteria for a moderate-wide directive.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of State – Charged with preparing and submitting a joint report to the President and, subsequently, taking appropriate actions for designation.
- Secretary of the Treasury – Responsible, alongside the Secretary of State, for the joint report and the execution of designation actions under the order.
- Attorney General – Consulted to provide legal guidance during the report preparation.
- Director of National Intelligence – Consulted to offer intelligence input and analysis relevant to the designation process.
- Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs – Designated to receive the joint report and coordinate with the President.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives involve Cabinet-level officials and key national security advisors, significantly impacting high-level decision making.)