Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a foreign terrorist organization. This move follows a similar declaration by the governor of Texas last month and imposes financial and operational restrictions on the Muslim rights group. CAIR calls the proclamation unconstitutional and plans legal action against DeSantis.
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CAIR a terrorist organization: Executive order imposes oversight in Florida
The designation requires Florida agencies to increase surveillance of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, cutting contracts, jobs, and state funding. DeSantis claims that CAIR was founded with connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, a group he links to Hamas without presenting public evidence. The order also aims to block what he describes as the advance of Sharia law in the state.
CAIR responds that DeSantis has prioritized Israeli interests over those of Floridians since his first cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. The group cites previous lawsuits against threats to university chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine. Neither CAIR nor the Muslim Brotherhood appear on the U.S. government’s federal terrorist lists.
CAIR prepares legal action against two governors
CAIR sues Texas over similar designation by Greg Abbott, alleging constitutional violation and lack of state legal basis. The group accuses both governors of silencing Muslim criticism of US support for Israel. CAIR has operated 25 national chapters since 1994 focused on civil rights.
DeSantis pushes state legislation to codify protections against these groups. President Trump begins process to label branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as terrorists for alleged support of Hamas.
Political context amplifies Florida controversy by declaring CAIR a terrorist organization
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt nearly a century ago, promotes Islamic rule through nonviolent electoral means. CAIR defends its civil rights work and rejects terrorist ties. Both state designations contrast with the absence of federal labels.
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The debate creates tensions between freedom of speech and national security in Republican states. CAIR continues to operate despite restrictions while preparing federal litigation.
