### Florida Governor's Controversial Designation of CAIR and Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organizations - 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." This action follows a similar designation made by Texas in the previous month. The order prohibits state agencies from providing contracts, employment, or funds to these groups or individuals who have supported them. Notably, neither CAIR nor the Muslim Brotherhood is recognized as terrorist organizations by the U.S. federal government, raising questions about the legality and implications of DeSantis's directive [https://apnews.com/article/florida-desantis-muslim-group-terrorist-label-7113c982c43fed198cef9eaf85b23679][https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/florida-designates-cair-muslim-brotherhood-as-foreign-terrorist-organizations-5955525]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Segments 1. **Executive Order Announcement**: DeSantis's order was made public via social media, marking a significant political move aimed at curtailing the influence of these organizations in Florida [https://www.wftv.com/news/local/desantis-designates-muslim-brotherhood-cair-foreign-terrorist-organizations-florida/DJNP6REHGNDNPA5NXRB7G46KE4]. 2. **Legal Challenges**: CAIR has announced plans to challenge the designation in court, labeling it as "unconstitutional" and "defamatory" [https://www.wusf.org/politics-issues/2025-12-09/desantis-cair-muslim-civil-rights-group-terrorist-organization]. 3. **Political Context**: This designation aligns with a broader trend among some U.S. states to scrutinize and label Muslim organizations, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding national security and civil rights [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3724071-controversy-arises-as-florida-labels-muslim-advocacy-group-a-terrorist-organization]. 4. **Public and Media Reaction**: The move has sparked significant controversy and debate, with various media outlets covering the implications of such a designation on civil rights and community relations [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/09/florida-cair-foreign-terrorist-organization-desantis]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Designation Details**: The executive order specifically targets CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, citing alleged extremist ties as the basis for the designation [https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-gov-ron-desantis-cair-muslim-brotherhood-foreign-terrorist-organizations]. - **Legal Precedents**: The lack of federal designation for these groups raises questions about the legal standing of state-level actions, which could set a precedent for similar actions in other states [https://www.newsweek.com/desantis-designates-muslim-brotherhood-cair-as-terrorist-organizations-11177604]. - **Community Impact**: The implications of this designation could affect funding and support for various community programs associated with CAIR, potentially leading to broader societal impacts [https://www.tampabay28.com/news/state/desantis-announces-florida-is-designating-muslim-brotherhood-and-cair-as-foreign-terrorist-organizations]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the Designation 1. **Legal and Political Ramifications**: The designation of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations by Florida's governor raises significant legal questions and could lead to a protracted court battle [https://www.wusf.org/politics-issues/2025-12-09/desantis-cair-muslim-civil-rights-group-terrorist-organization]. 2. **Impact on Civil Rights**: This action may have far-reaching consequences for civil rights and the treatment of Muslim organizations in the U.S., potentially fostering an environment of discrimination [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3724071-controversy-arises-as-florida-labels-muslim-advocacy-group-a-terrorist-organization]. 3. **Future of Advocacy Groups**: The outcome of CAIR's legal challenge could set a significant precedent for how advocacy groups are treated under state law, influencing similar movements across the country [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/09/florida-cair-foreign-terrorist-organization-desantis]. In summary, Governor DeSantis's designation of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations is a contentious issue that intertwines legal, political, and social dimensions, warranting close attention as developments unfold.