Hiba Rahim, the chapter\u2019s deputy executive director, said during a news conference that the order was an attack rooted in conspiracy theories and compared it to historical efforts that targeted Jewish, Irish and Italian American communities.<\/p>\n
“We are very proud to defend the founding principles of our Constitution, to defend free speech,” Rahim said at a news conference. “We are proud to defend democracy, and we are proud to be America first.”<\/p>\n
Rahim argued that the governor\u2019s support for Israel played a role in the order, saying the group\u2019s activism had caused “discomfort” to the U.S. ally. She said CAIR does not intend to back down.<\/p>\n
FLORIDA DESIGNATES MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD AND CAIR AS FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS, DESANTIS SAYS<\/a><\/p>\n Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis labeled CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as “foreign terrorist organizations.” (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell, File)<\/p>\n Governor DeSantis, meanwhile, defended the move, saying his administration had sufficient grounds for the designation. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, he said he welcomed CAIR\u2019s legal challenge and described the designation as “a long time coming.”<\/p>\n DeSantis\u2019 order also lists the Muslim Brotherhood as a “foreign terrorist” organization. Last month, President Donald Trump<\/a> issued an executive order to begin a federal process to consider designating certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization.<\/p>\n The governor said he expects Florida lawmakers to pursue related legislation when the legislature reconvenes in January, calling the executive order “the beginning.”<\/p>\n TRUMP SIGNALS PLAN TO DESIGNATE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION<\/a><\/p>\n Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he welcomes CAIR’s lawsuit. (Joe Raedle\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Under DeSantis\u2019 directive, state agencies are barred from awarding contracts, employment or funds to CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, or any groups deemed to have materially supported them.<\/p>\n At the Tampa news conference, attorney Miranda Margolis criticized the order and argued DeSantis had exceeded his authority by unilaterally designating a nonprofit as a terrorist organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n “This designation is without legal or factual basis and constitutes a dangerous escalation of anti-Muslim political rhetoric,” Margolis said.<\/p>\n Florida\u2019s action comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a similar proclamation. CAIR has challenged Abbott\u2019s designation in federal court, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution and Texas law. Muslim and interfaith organizations have urged<\/a> Abbott to rescind the order.<\/p>\n Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation designating CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as “foreign terrorist organizations.” (Getty Images)<\/p>\n State-level designations do not carry the same legal weight as federal Foreign Terrorist Organization classifications, which can only be issued by the U.S. State Department.<\/p>\n![\"DeSantis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765356187_293_ap25049749446372.jpg\")
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