Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) recently faced significant media attention after praising the American branch of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), a charity that has had ties cut by the U.S. State Department and various banks due to concerns about terrorism and anti-Semitism. He also voted for a bill that would direct USAID funds and other federal grants to the organization.
After Fox News reported on this, he reaffirmed his support for IRUSA, an umbrella group of international organizations based in the U.S. IRUSA has funded the East Plano Islamic Center in Texas, which is at the heart of a controversial Islamic community project named EPIC City.
About a year ago, Cornyn had sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding federal investigations into the community, citing “religious discrimination” and concerns about “Sharia law.” Meanwhile, senators voted to allocate taxpayer funds to IRUSA, which reportedly provided IRW with tens of millions of dollars each year in 2021 and 2022, marking it as IRW’s largest funding source, according to reports.
In the fiscal year 2016 appropriations bill, IRW received $100,000 in grants from the USAID and an additional $270,000 from the CDC. The resolution that passed had a vote of 65-33, with Cornyn’s backing, though 26 other Republicans opposed it.
Just a few years back, application filings showed that IRUSA provided $10,000 in grants for both 2020 and 2021 to the East Plano Islamic Center, which plans to establish a large Muslim community in Texas by 2024, including over 1,000 homes and educational facilities.
The State Department stated, “As anti-Semitism rises globally, it’s our duty as conscientious individuals to stand firm against the appalling glorification of antisemitism and violence at the senior levels of IRW.” This statement was made in December 2020, emphasizing concerns surrounding IRW.
IRW officially distanced itself from the State Department in January 2021 after various allegations of anti-Semitism arose from a watchdog group, which reported that IRW leaders had praised Hamas and used derogatory terms towards Jews.
Prior to this, IRW had partnered with the State Department during the Obama and Trump administrations. Upon announcing its separation from IRUSA’s international division, officials stated a complete review of the organization and U.S. funding was underway due to repeated issues of anti-Semitism by IRW leadership.
Cornyn has voiced support for IRUSA multiple times, including during a video message in May 2021, expressing gratitude for their humanitarian efforts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter published in 2023 on IRUSA’s website, Cornyn again referred to the organization as a “friend,” acknowledging their commitment to aiding vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, 2024 House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Missouri) has called for the IRS to investigate and revoke IRUSA’s tax-exempt status due to its partnerships with groups linked to Hamas, like the Muslim Brotherhood.
Several entities have severed connections with IRW, including Swiss bank UBS in 2012 and British bank HSBC in 2016 due to concerns regarding affiliations with Islamic terrorism. Countries such as Israel, the UAE, the Netherlands, and Germany are also reportedly taking measures against IRW for alleged terrorist links.
Despite these criticisms, IRW denies any involvement in terrorism. A spokesperson stated, “We are a purely humanitarian organization, opposing all forms of extremism, including anti-Semitism,” noting that their personnel operate in dangerous areas and some have lost their lives to terrorism. They emphasized that their financial operations are subjected to thorough auditing to ensure funds are used strictly for humanitarian aid.
Texas Republicans are set to choose their Senate candidate in a runoff between Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 26.
