Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on December 9, 2025, designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “foreign terrorist organizations,” a move critics say could escalate anti-Muslim sentiment and invite legal challenges over constitutional rights and federal authority. The order, posted on social media, directs all Florida agencies to block contracts, employment, and funding to these groups and anyone supporting them, even though neither organization is designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. government.
Community and Civil Rights Response
Leaders of CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the U.S., condemned DeSantis’s order as “unconstitutional,” “defamatory,” and a “stunt” designed to target and intimidate the Muslim community. Hiba Rahim, interim executive director of CAIR-Florida, stated, “Your designation has no basis in law or fact. You do not have the constitutional authority to unilaterally declare any American or any American institution a foreign terrorist group,” at a press conference. She warned that the executive order could increase bigotry and hate crimes against Muslims in Florida, which is home to approximately 500,000 Muslim residents.
CAIR-Florida has announced plans to file a federal lawsuit challenging the designation, accusing DeSantis of undermining free speech and religious liberty. The organization noted that such designations can be made only by the U.S. State Department under federal law, and that DeSantis’s order lacks legal standing.
Legal and Political Implications
DeSantis welcomed the lawsuit, saying it would allow the state to subpoena CAIR’s financial records. However, legal experts argue the governor overstepped his authority, as state governments cannot unilaterally declare U.S.-based nonprofits as foreign terrorist organizations. The move mirrors similar actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, which prompted a federal lawsuit by CAIR earlier in December.
The executive order has drawn criticism from progressive legal groups and civil rights organizations, who call it a dangerous escalation of anti-Muslim political rhetoric. Miranda Margolis, representing the National Lawyers Guild, said, “This designation is without legal or factual basis and constitutes a dangerous escalation of anti-Muslim political rhetoric weaponized to suppress constitutionally protected advocacy and civil rights work.”
Broader Context and Ongoing Concerns
CAIR, founded in 1994, operates 25 chapters nationwide and advocates for Muslim civil rights, including issues related to Palestine, religious freedom, and social justice. The group has consistently denied any connection to Hamas or extremism. The designation follows a wave of similar actions in Republican-governed states, amid heightened rhetoric around Israel’s conflict with Hamas and increased scrutiny of Muslim advocacy groups.
Critics warn that such orders could normalize discrimination and embolden hate crimes against minority communities. DeSantis’s executive order may set the stage for broader legislative action in Florida’s upcoming session, with lawmakers expected to introduce follow-on legislation.
“From a government level, we have seen a very sharp increase in Israel-first politicians,” said Hiba Rahim. “We certainly suspect and worry there will be another increase in anti-Muslim bigotry and hate crimes.”