In a move that has raised eyebrows across the nation, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Monday designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a foreign terrorist organization. This unprecedented action at the state level cites a connection between CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as its primary rationale. The executive order claims the Brotherhood’s ideology is fundamentally incompatible with American values, emphasizing conflicts with principles enshrined in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The order highlights CAIR as a domestic branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, tracing connections back to its establishment in Egypt in 1928. Reference is made to past judicial proceedings, notably the United States v. Holy Land Foundation for Relief & Development. This case uncovered a Texas charity’s financial links to Hamas, recognized as a foreign terrorist organization. Notably, CAIR was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in this case, further fueling the allegations against it. More details on the executive order can be explored here.
This state-level action seems to echo a broader national effort, reflecting a strategy previously adopted by former President Donald Trump in November 2025, which targeted Muslim Brotherhood chapters worldwide. The Trump administration order linked groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah with the Brotherhood, justifying efforts to curb their capabilities and influence.
Florida is not alone in this realm of state-led designation. Texas Governor Greg Abbott had previously labeled CAIR similarly, prompting CAIR to initiate a lawsuit against Abbott for claims of unconstitutionality and defamation. The organization, prominent in Florida and beyond, is known for its advocacy, educational initiatives, and efforts to protect Muslim communities through civil rights and policy work.
Critics and legal experts are vigorously debating the potential implications of such a designation. Concerns revolve around its impact on the civil liberties of American Muslims and the precedent it sets for state-level intervention in matters of national security typically managed by federal authorities. As the legal and political ripples of this designation continue to spread, the developments will undoubtedly be watched closely by legal professionals and human rights advocates alike.