Following Texas’ lead, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has recently escalated a contentious political climate by designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This significant move mimics similar actions taken by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, indicating a growing trend among certain state leaders to confront what they perceive as threats posed by these organizations.
In an executive order dated December 8, 2025, DeSantis directed Florida state agencies to take legal measures against any activities linked to these groups. The order emphasizes preventing “unlawful activities,” essentially limiting the privileges and resources available to anyone associated with them. This directive aims to curtail what the governor describes as a threat to national security, particularly citing alleged links to violence and intimidation, including a supposed affiliation with Hamas during its military operations against Israel.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis answers questions during a press conference at Christopher Columbus High School on March 27, 2023, in Miami. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald via AP)
Interestingly, the executive order does not provide substantial evidence to justify the connections it makes between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. The latter, an Egypt-based organization, has long stated its commitment to non-violence in its goal of establishing an Islamic state. Drawing a controversial link, DeSantis’ order states that CAIR was established by members of the Brotherhood, which has raised eyebrows among both supporters and critics of his decision.
The document goes further by asserting that the values espoused by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR conflict with “foundational American principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” DeSantis contends that these principles include the right to religious freedom and equal protection under the law—assertions challenged by many who view his designations as discriminatory.
Moreover, the executive order references a prior proclamation from President Donald Trump, which hinted at a process for requiring certain divisions of the Muslim Brotherhood to be considered for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This not only underscores a political lineage in this line of thought but also positions current actions within a larger national narrative regarding the treatment of Muslim organizations and communities in the U.S.
The Florida development came shortly after Texas Governor Greg Abbott took similar measures, declaring CAIR and the Brotherhood as “radical extremists.” His proclamation limited property ownership for these organizations in Texas and accused them of wanting to impose Sharia law globally. Abbott’s declaration embodies a growing rhetoric where political leaders label these groups as facilitators of homelessness for the West, further intertwining national security with civil liberties in polarized ways.
“The actions taken by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR to support terrorism across the globe and subvert our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment are unacceptable,” Abbott asserted, framing his move as a necessary measure to uphold law and order within the state.
CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights advocacy organization in the U.S., has wasted no time in responding to DeSantis’ directive. They have pledged to sue the governor, labeling his order as “defamatory and unconstitutional.” CAIR representatives argue that these actions represent an alarming shift towards scapegoating and polarization, particularly against American Muslims who are critical of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the context of Israel and Palestine.
Notably, CAIR-Florida spokespersons have emphasized that DeSantis has consistently aligned himself with pro-Israel sentiments since assuming office in 2019, often at the expense of Palestinian rights. The organization claims that, like Abbott, DeSantis is attempting to silence dissent and criticism that challenge the status quo of U.S. support for Israel’s policies.
Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy director for CAIR, has gone on record, asserting the organization’s commitment to peace and anti-terrorism. He highlighted that a CAIR office once alerted the FBI about a potential threat against President Trump, earning the bureau’s gratitude for their proactive stance in protecting American lives.
Mitchell’s claims point to a broader narrative where civil rights organizations, even those under scrutiny, may engage positively with law enforcement and community safety. He further emphasized that CAIR’s funding primarily comes from American sources, challenging narratives that suggest foreign influences shape their actions or intentions.
As these legal battles unfold, they will undoubtedly reverberate beyond the walls of courtrooms and into community dialogues, continuing to shape perceptions of Muslim organizations and the broader discourse on civil rights, national security, and the role of activism in American society.
