标签： North America

In a significant move targeting the Muslim Brotherhood, US President Donald Trump has directed officials to assess whether certain chapters of the organization should be classified as terrorist groups. This potential designation would trigger economic sanctions and travel restrictions against the group. The executive order, issued on Monday, mandates a comprehensive report to investigate whether branches in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan qualify as foreign terrorist organizations or specially designated global terrorists. The order highlights alleged connections between the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, as well as claims of destabilization efforts that harm regional stability, US citizens, and American interests. Established nearly a century ago, the Muslim Brotherhood is already banned in Egypt and Jordan. The directive tasks US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with consulting Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to produce the report within 30 days. If warranted, officials will have an additional 45 days to impose sanctions. A terrorist designation would criminalize support for the group, enforce economic penalties, and bar its members from entering the US. The White House stated that Trump is addressing the Muslim Brotherhood’s transnational network, which allegedly fuels terrorism and destabilization in the Middle East. This development follows Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s recent declaration of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and transnational criminal entity, a move that also targeted the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim advocacy group in the US. The Brotherhood, founded in Egypt, has diverse local chapters worldwide, with some advocating for governance under Islamic law (Sharia). Trump had previously considered designating the group as a terrorist organization during his first term, following discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi. The Brotherhood is outlawed in Egypt and several Arab nations, where it is viewed as a threat. In April, Jordan banned the group after arresting members suspected of planning rocket and drone attacks.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Republican congresswoman from Georgia, has announced her unexpected resignation from Congress, effective January 5. This decision follows a highly publicized rift with former President Donald Trump, who labeled her a ‘traitor’ and vowed to endorse her opponent in the upcoming election. Greene’s resignation has ignited widespread speculation about her next steps in the political arena.

Greene’s departure comes after months of escalating tensions with Trump, particularly over her criticism of his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and certain policy positions. Despite rumors of a potential 2028 presidential run, Greene has firmly denied such ambitions, stating she has ‘no interest’ in the presidency. However, political analysts suggest that a future change of heart is not uncommon in U.S. politics.

Her recent actions, including signing a petition to release Epstein-related files against Trump’s wishes, have further distanced her from the former president and her party. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has even speculated that Greene could be a ‘formidable’ candidate in 2028, given her connection to Trump’s base. Yet, Greene has dismissed such claims as ‘complete lies,’ reaffirming her disinterest in the presidency.

While Greene has ruled out a presidential bid, she has not explicitly excluded the possibility of running for Georgia governor or a U.S. Senate seat in 2026. With current Republican Governor Brian Kemp term-limited, the field for potential candidates is wide open. Greene could also challenge Democrat Jon Ossoff for his Senate seat, a position she has reportedly expressed interest in.

Political science professor Kerwin Swint of Kennesaw State University believes Greene would face significant challenges in statewide elections due to her limited popularity outside her district. Swint predicts Greene may instead focus on building her media profile, possibly through a podcast or conservative commentary. This trend has been embraced by other former politicians, such as Matt Gaetz and Gavin Newsom, who have transitioned to media roles after leaving office.

In her resignation announcement, Greene cited personal attacks and threats against her family as key reasons for stepping away from politics. She also hinted at a desire to spend more time with her family and focus on her commercial construction business, Taylor Commercial, which has managed $250 million in projects since 2002.

As Greene exits Congress, her future remains uncertain. Whether she pursues a media career, re-enters politics, or focuses on her business, her influence on the Republican Party and conservative movement will undoubtedly continue to be felt.

A pivotal legal battle over press freedom is set to unfold in the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit as it hears oral arguments on Monday regarding President Donald Trump’s decision to bar the Associated Press (AP) from covering presidential events. The case stems from an April ruling by US District Judge Trevor McFadden, who granted a preliminary injunction in favor of the AP, ordering the White House to reinstate the news agency’s access to the Oval Office and other key spaces. The Trump administration appealed the decision, leading to a temporary pause on the injunction in June. The dispute originated in February when Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The AP, adhering to its editorial standards, continued to use the traditional name, prompting the White House to limit its access to press gatherings, labeling the decision as divisive and misleading. The AP subsequently sued three senior Trump aides, alleging that the restrictions violated constitutional protections for free speech and due process. The administration countered by arguing that the AP is not entitled to special access to non-public areas. This case highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the press, with significant implications for media freedom and government transparency.

A U.S. judge has dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges was unlawfully appointed. Judge Cameron Currie determined that Lindsey Halligan, handpicked by former President Donald Trump to prosecute his political adversaries, was ineligible for the role. Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience, was appointed in violation of the statute governing interim U.S. attorneys. Judge Currie stated that all actions stemming from Halligan’s appointment, including the indictment of Comey, were unlawful exercises of executive power and were therefore nullified. Both Comey and James have consistently maintained their innocence, describing the charges as politically motivated. The White House has indicated that the Justice Department will appeal the dismissal, asserting that Halligan’s appointment was legal. Comey expressed relief that the prosecution, which he characterized as ‘based on malevolence and incompetence,’ had ended but warned that Trump would likely target him again. James, who faced federal charges of bank fraud and false statements, hailed the ruling as a victory and reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for New Yorkers. The cases were dismissed ‘without prejudice,’ leaving open the possibility of future legal action.