TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that the state has designated both the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations. The order, which DeSantis said is effective immediately, directs state agencies to take “all lawful measures” to block privileges, resources, or material support to the groups.
Neither CAIR nor the Muslim Brotherhood appears on the U.S. federal government’s list of designated foreign terrorist organizations. Florida’s move follows a similar action by Texas last month, which CAIR is already challenging in court. The organization vowed Monday to file a lawsuit against Florida as well.
In a statement shared by Axios, DeSantis said the directive aims to prevent unlawful activity and alleged that CAIR was founded by individuals connected to the Muslim Brotherhood, linking the movement to Hamas and the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. CAIR has long denied such ties, stating that it “unequivocally” condemns terrorism, including acts committed by Hamas.
CAIR responded by accusing DeSantis of issuing a “defamatory and unconstitutional order” and claimed the governor is “serving the Israeli government over serving the people of Florida.” The group also noted DeSantis’ previous political activity in Israel.
DeSantis added that Florida legislators are crafting legislation to “stop the creep of sharia law,” signaling broader policy efforts aimed at limiting the influence he associates with both organizations.
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