Texas Governor Designates CAIR and Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organizations

On Tuesday, the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, announced that the United States has officially classified the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations. This designation limits these groups from acquiring properties in Texas.

In a statement, Abbott emphasized that both organizations have openly aimed to impose Islamic law and establish a global Islamic presence. He expressed that their support for terrorism around the world, along with their use of violence, intimidation, and harassment, is intolerable. Abbott remarked, “These extremists are not welcome in our state and are currently prohibited from acquiring real estate interests in Texas.”

The official declaration described CAIR as “an Islamist organization” and stated that the FBI had recognized it as a “front group” for Hamas and its support networks in the U.S.

Among those cited within the declaration is Ghassan Elashi, a founding member of CAIR’s Texas chapter, who was sentenced to 65 years for terrorist financing in 2009. The declaration further noted that Hamas emerged in 1987 as a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and highlighted that various countries—like Austria and Saudi Arabia—restrict or ban the Muslim Brotherhood due to its terrorism links.

In response, CAIR characterized itself as an independent civil rights organization focused on defending free speech and justice for over three decades. They claimed to have consistently condemned all forms of violence, which they say has made them targets of extremist groups.

CAIR also criticized Abbott’s actions, labeling them as a publicity stunt rooted in misinformation. They argue that Abbott’s statements promote anti-Muslim sentiment rather than serve the interests of Texans. The organization mentioned it has successfully contested Abbott in court over similar matters in the past.

The Muslim Brotherhood has yet to respond to the media’s request for comments.