Gov. DeSantis allies with Gov. Abbott in opposing radical Islam

Governor DeSantis Targets Islamic Extremists in New Order

Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis recently issued an executive order aimed at Islamic extremists. This announcement was made on a Monday, and it names the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations.

The order asserts that the Muslim Brotherhood is a “transnational network with a long history of engaging in or supporting violence.” Notably, it mentions the group’s role in founding Hamas in 1987, which the United States designated as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997. The order also highlights that Hamas was responsible for over 1,200 deaths on October 7, 2023.

Furthermore, the order explains that CAIR was established in 1994 in the U.S. by the Palestinian Committee, which is an affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood. The order cites that “CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the largest terrorist financing case in U.S. history” and indicates the existence of “sufficient evidence to establish an association” with terrorist organizations.

Governor DeSantis directed Florida agencies to take all legal measures to prevent illegal activities by these organizations. This includes denying resources and privileges to those who provide support to them.

This recent order aligns with an earlier executive action by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who made similar moves in November.

In response, CAIR announced plans to file a lawsuit against DeSantis. They accused the governor of prioritizing the interests of the Israeli government over those of Florida residents. CAIR’s statement criticized both DeSantis and Abbott for targeting American Muslims who express dissent against U.S. support of Israel, framing their actions as unconstitutional and defamatory.