DeSantis Labels Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as “Terrorist Organizations”
On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order classifying the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This move comes shortly after similar action taken by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
In a statement accompanied by his official seal, DeSantis announced that the order would be effective immediately. “Florida agencies are directed to take all lawful steps to prevent illegal conduct by these organizations, including denying privileges and resources to those providing material support,” he specified.
In his order, DeSantis claimed—without providing evidence—that the Muslim Brotherhood, a multinational Sunni Islamist group founded in Egypt, was trying to create a “global Islamic caliphate” and suggested that it has direct links to Hamas.
He also stated that CAIR, which is one of the largest Muslim civil rights groups in the U.S., was “named an unindicted co-conspirator” in what is said to be “the largest terrorist financing case in American history.”
CAIR has consistently denied any financial connections to Hamas or other terrorist entities.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also designated CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations back on November 18. His order closely mirrors DeSantis’ but includes a more aggressive claim that these organizations aim to impose Sharia law in America and seek “Islamic world domination.”
Abbott directed the state attorney general to pursue legal action for the closure of these organizations in Texas. He emphasized that the actions of the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR to support terrorism and undermine laws through violence and intimidation are intolerable. They are therefore barred from owning real estate in Texas.
Interestingly, neither the Muslim Brotherhood nor CAIR is recognized as a terrorist organization by the federal government. The Muslim Brotherhood has consistently denied any involvement in violence and claims to support various philanthropic efforts across the Arab world, as noted by the Council on Foreign Relations.
In response to DeSantis’ order, CAIR stated that they look forward to challenging what they termed an “Israel First stunt” in court, where they believe facts matter more than conspiracy theories. They accused DeSantis, much like Abbott, of attempting to silence voices critical of U.S. support for Israel.
CAIR has previously denounced Abbott’s designation as “defamatory and lawless,” pledging not to be intimidated by such a smear campaign.
