What's happened
On December 9, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. The order bans state agencies from contracting or funding these groups and those supporting them. CAIR, which denies any terrorist ties, plans to sue, calling the order unconstitutional and defamatory.
What's behind the headline?
Political and Legal Implications
Governor DeSantis's executive order represents a significant escalation in state-level actions targeting Muslim civil rights organizations, specifically CAIR. By labeling CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations without federal designation or due process, the order challenges constitutional protections and raises serious legal questions. This move aligns with a broader Republican strategy to appeal to pro-Israel constituencies and conservative voters by conflating Muslim advocacy groups with terrorism.
Islamophobia and Political Rhetoric
The order fuels Islamophobic sentiments, as evidenced by inflammatory statements from other Republican officials like Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representative Randy Fine. CAIR and its affiliates argue that these actions are politically motivated attempts to silence Muslim voices, particularly those advocating for Palestinian rights. The timing, following the October 2023 Hamas attack and ongoing conflict in Gaza, suggests the order is part of a coordinated campaign to stigmatize Muslim Americans.
Legal Challenges and Constitutional Questions
CAIR's planned lawsuit contends the order is unconstitutional, lacking legal basis and infringing on free speech and due process rights. Legal experts highlight that only the federal government can designate foreign terrorist organizations, making the state-level order largely symbolic but potentially harmful in practice. The case will test the limits of state authority and the protection of civil liberties amid heightened national security concerns.
Forecast and Impact
The lawsuit will likely delay enforcement of the order, but the political damage and social consequences are immediate. The designation may embolden anti-Muslim discrimination and complicate Muslim Americans' civic participation. The issue will remain a flashpoint in Florida politics and could influence similar actions in other states. Voters and civil rights advocates should monitor legislative follow-ups and court rulings closely, as these will shape the balance between security policies and constitutional rights.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that CAIR and its Florida chapter filed a lawsuit challenging DeSantis's order as "unlawful and unconstitutional," accusing the governor of "usurping the exclusive authority of the federal government" to designate terrorist groups. Hiba Rahim, CAIR Florida's deputy executive director, criticized DeSantis's close ties to Israel, noting his first official cabinet meeting was held there, and called the order a politically motivated attack (The New Arab, Dec 10, 2025).
Al Jazeera highlights the broader context of rising Islamophobia and right-wing targeting of Muslim groups, with CAIR asserting the order aims to suppress speech supporting Palestinian human rights. The outlet notes CAIR's ongoing legal challenge to a similar Texas order and quotes activists describing the designation as a "political stunt" (Al Jazeera, Dec 16, 2025).
AP News provides details on DeSantis's defense of the order, including his expectation of "follow-on legislation" and the directive to block state contracts and funding to CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood. The report includes legal experts' views that the governor lacks authority for such designations and that the order escalates anti-Muslim rhetoric (AP News, Dec 9, 2025).
The New York Times contextualizes the order within national politics, noting Trump's prior moves to designate Muslim Brotherhood chapters and the heightened scrutiny of Muslim groups after recent violent incidents. It also details CAIR's legal arguments and the order's operational effects on state agencies (New York Times, Dec 9, 2025).
The Times of Israel focuses on the order's accusations linking CAIR to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, and the political implications of DeSantis's pro-Israel stance. It also notes CAIR's condemnation of violence and the group's criticism of the governor's priorities (The Times of Israel, Dec 9, 2025).
Together, these sources reveal a polarized narrative: DeSantis and supporters frame the order as a necessary security measure, while CAIR and civil rights advoc
How we got here
The executive order follows a similar move by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in November 2025. CAIR, founded in 1994 with 25 chapters nationwide, is a prominent Muslim civil rights group. The designations link CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood to terrorism, citing alleged ties to Hamas, though neither group is federally designated as terrorist organizations. The move occurs amid rising Islamophobia and political tensions over US support for Israel.
Go deeper
- What legal grounds does CAIR have to challenge the executive order?
- How does this order affect Muslim communities in Florida?
- What are the political motivations behind DeSantis's designation?
Common question
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Why Is DeSantis Targeting CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood in Florida?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has recently issued an executive order labeling CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as threats, barring them from state contracts and benefits. This move has sparked widespread debate about security, civil rights, and religious freedom. Many are asking: Why are these groups being targeted? What are the legal implications? And what does this mean for religious communities in Florida? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial action.
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Why Is the EU Tightening Migration Policies Now?
Recent moves by European countries to restrict migration and human rights protections have sparked widespread concern. Governments are pushing for stricter border controls, faster deportations, and limited protections for migrants. But what’s driving these changes, and what could they mean for those affected? Below, we explore the reasons behind these reforms, the risks involved, and how they might impact migrants and refugees across Europe.
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Why Is DeSantis Labeling CAIR as a Terrorist Group?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has recently designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as threats, prompting questions about the reasons behind this move and its potential implications. Many are wondering what this means for civil liberties, national security, and Muslim communities in the US. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial decision and what it could mean for the future.
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Why Did Florida Label CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorists?
In December 2025, Florida took a controversial step by designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. This move has sparked widespread debate about security, free speech, and civil rights. Many are asking: what prompted this decision, and what does it mean for Muslim communities in the US? Below, we explore the reasons behind Florida's actions, the legal arguments involved, and the broader implications of such designations.
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Why Did DeSantis Label CAIR a Terror Group?
In December 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. This move has sparked widespread debate about its legality, motives, and impact on Muslim communities. Many are asking: why did DeSantis take this step, and what does it mean for national security and civil rights? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial decision.
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The Society of the Muslim Brothers, better known as the Muslim Brotherhood, is a transnational Sunni Islamist organization founded in Egypt by Islamic scholar and schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna in 1928.
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