The Texas Republican has long argued that the Islamist group poses a significant threat to U.S. national security and stability in the Middle East due to its ideological links to terrorism and its backing of groups like Hamas.

Several Arab countries — including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, and Syria — have already officially labeled the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist entity. These nations cite the group’s role in inciting unrest, promoting extremism, and directly supporting violent organizations.

Cruz and his supporters say it's past time for the United States to follow suit, especially in light of the Brotherhood's ties to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians. “We must stop pretending the Brotherhood is a benign political movement,” Cruz said, adding that failure to act only emboldens anti-American and anti-Israel extremists.