DeSantis Designates Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as Foreign Terrorist Organizations in New Executive Order

 

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Designates Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as Foreign Terrorist Organizations in New Executive Order

BREAKING — Tallahassee, FL:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 25-244, officially designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) within the state.

The sweeping action directs Florida agencies to block resources, privileges, or benefits from any individual or group found to be providing “material support” to the two organizations. Texas has taken similar action at the state level, signaling a growing movement among Republican-led states to target groups they allege have ties to extremist activity.

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Executive Order: “Effective Immediately”

According to the signed order, the state of Florida will now:

• Treat the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as terrorist organizations for purposes of state law

• Restrict state resources, contracts, benefits, or partnerships involving individuals or entities tied to them

• Coordinate law enforcement efforts to monitor and prevent any unlawful activities linked to these groups

• Increase scrutiny over financial or organizational networks allegedly connected to foreign extremist activity

DeSantis said:

“Florida agencies are hereby directed to undertake all lawful measures to prevent unlawful activities by these organizations, including denying privileges or resources to anyone providing material support.”

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Why Florida Took This Action

The executive order cites multiple “WHEREAS” findings, including:

• The U.S. designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997

• Alleged ties between the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas

• Claims that Hamas-affiliated fundraising networks have operated inside the United States

• Historical references to CAIR’s founding by individuals linked to the Muslim Brotherhood

• Past federal investigations into CAIR during terrorism-financing cases

The order references past court findings in the United States v. Holy Land Foundation case, noting CAIR was named as an unindicted co-conspirator—though CAIR was never charged.

DeSantis also cited President Trump’s November 24, 2025 federal executive order initiating a process for reviewing Muslim Brotherhood chapters for national FTO designation.

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Supporters Praise the Move

Conservatives and national-security commentators immediately praised Florida’s action, calling it a model for other states.

Supporters argue the designation will:

• Enhance counterterrorism efforts

• Prevent foreign-funded influence networks

• Close loopholes in nonprofit oversight

• Protect state institutions from extremist infiltration

Social media reactions hailed the decision as a “bold step” and urged all 50 states to adopt similar measures.

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CAIR Responds

While CAIR has not yet released a full statement regarding the Florida order, the organization has historically:

• Denied all ties to terrorism

• Criticized state-level designations as unconstitutional

• Argued that such actions are politically motivated and target Muslim communities

Legal challenges are expected, as state-level FTO designations are rare and may raise constitutional questions regarding due process, religious freedoms, and federal preemption.

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Texas Also Moves Forward

Texas has implemented similar measures, and sources say other Republican-led states may soon follow. Analysts note the trend aligns with national movements seeking stricter oversight of foreign-funded organizations operating within the U.S.

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What Happens Next?

The executive order becomes enforceable immediately, meaning:

• State agencies will begin compliance reviews

• Nonprofits and contractors may undergo additional screening

• Enforcement guidelines and legal interpretations may be released in the coming days

• Potential court challenges could determine the scope and durability of the order

With both Florida and Texas taking action, this move could set off a national policy ripple—depending on federal response and possible legal battles.

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FAQs: Florida Designates Muslim Brotherhood & CAIR as Terrorist Organizations

1. What did Governor Ron DeSantis announce?

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 25-244, designating the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations under Florida state law. The order immediately directs state agencies to block resources and benefits from anyone tied to these groups.

2. Why did Florida classify these groups as terrorist organizations?

The executive order cites alleged historical ties between the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, and several U.S.-based organizations. It also references federal terrorism-financing cases and past court findings that suggested links to extremist activity.

3. Does this mean the federal government has designated CAIR as a terrorist group?

No. The federal government has not designated CAIR as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Florida’s classification is a state-level action, which may be subject to legal challenges.

4. How will this order affect organizations operating in Florida?

Agencies are directed to deny contracts, partnerships, benefits, or privileges to individuals or groups providing “material support” to these organizations. Additional screening and compliance checks will also increase.

5. Has CAIR responded to the executive order?

CAIR has previously denied all allegations of extremist ties and typically challenges such designations as unconstitutional. A formal response to this specific order is expected.

6. Is Florida the only state taking this step?

No. Texas has taken similar action, and other Republican-led states may consider comparable designations in the coming months.

7. How does this relate to President Trump’s 2025 executive order?

The Florida order references President Trump’s November 24, 2025 directive to initiate a federal review process to determine whether chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood should be formally designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

8. Could there be legal challenges to Florida’s decision?

Yes. State-level terrorist designations are rare and could face lawsuits involving constitutional rights, due process, religious freedom, and questions about federal preemption.

9. Does this affect ordinary Muslims in Florida?

No. The executive order targets organizations—not individuals or the Muslim community. It does not restrict religious practice or target Islam as a faith.

10. When does the executive order go into effect?

The order is effective immediately, and state agencies have already begun implementing compliance and enforcement measures.