Rep. Mace Pushes to Label Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Group in New House Bill

Rep. Mace Pushes to Label Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Group in New House Bill

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace has introduced new legislation seeking to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, a move that she says will bolster national security and dismantle the group’s operations both within the United States and abroad.

Announcing the bill, formally titled The Muslim Brotherhood is a Terrorist Organization Act, Mace’s office stated the legislation would empower U.S. authorities with expanded tools, including financial sanctions, asset freezes, travel bans, and targeted law enforcement actions. The goal, according to the congresswoman, is to confront what she views as a global threat posed by the group.

“The Muslim Brotherhood doesn’t just support terrorism, it inspires it,” Mace said. “President Trump was right when he said the Muslim Brotherhood is a threat to global security, and it’s long past time we call them what they are: terrorists.”

The legislation follows heightened scrutiny of the group after a violent incident in June in Colorado. During the attack, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian man, allegedly shouted “free Palestine” while hurling incendiary devices at a group of pro-Israel demonstrators, injuring several. The event sparked renewed calls from Capitol Hill lawmakers for the U.S. government to take a firmer stance against organizations perceived as promoting or inspiring extremism.

Senator Ted Cruz, a longtime critic of the Muslim Brotherhood, responded quickly in the days following the attack. He announced plans to reintroduce a “modernized version” of the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act in the U.S. Senate. According to Cruz, the group has used the Biden administration “to consolidate and deepen their influence.” Mace’s proposed bill mirrors Cruz’s intent but will be introduced in the House.

The idea of labeling the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist entity is not new. The Trump administration took steps in 2019 to move forward with such a designation, although the effort ultimately stalled. Internationally, some countries have already taken similar actions. In April, Jordan implemented a broad ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, continuing a policy of restricting the group’s influence while still tolerating a splinter political party, the Islamic Action Front.

The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt nearly 100 years ago, maintains a presence in numerous countries across the Middle East and beyond. Though its leadership claims the organization renounced violence decades ago and now seeks to promote Islamic governance through democratic and nonviolent means, its status remains highly controversial. Egypt officially designates the Brotherhood as a terrorist group, especially following the 2013 ousting of President Mohammed Morsi by then-General and now-President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Morsi had previously led the Brotherhood and was the country’s first democratically elected president.

Mace’s office portrayed the legislation as a bold step in redefining U.S. foreign policy priorities. “This bill marks a serious shift in U.S. foreign policy,” her statement read, “away from appeasement and back toward the strong, clear-eyed national security vision championed by President Trump: Put America First. Confront Islamic extremism. Defend our people.”

As the bill advances, it is expected to spark debate over the balance between combating extremism and protecting political and religious freedoms, as well as the broader implications for America’s diplomatic relationships in the Middle East.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News  2025-06-12