Hold onto your hats, folks—Texas just dropped a bombshell that’s got the progressive crowd clutching their pearls. On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott took a bold stand, slapping the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood with designations as "foreign terrorist" and "transnational criminal" organizations. It’s a move that’s sure to spark heated debate over security, civil rights, and the role of advocacy groups in America.
According to the Daily Caller, in a nutshell, Abbott’s proclamation ramps up enforcement against these groups in Texas while barring them from snapping up any land in the Lone Star State.
Let’s rewind a bit to understand the players here. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded back in 1928 in Egypt by Hassan al-Banna, is often cited as the oldest modern Islamist movement, per a report from George Washington University. Meanwhile, CAIR, headquartered in Washington, D.C., bills itself as a champion for Muslim civil rights and mutual understanding.
Fast forward to this week, and Gov. Abbott isn’t mincing words with his latest decision. He’s made it crystal clear that Texas won’t be a haven for groups he believes pose a threat to national values. “The Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR have long made their goals clear: to forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s ‘mastership of the world,’” Abbott declared. If that doesn’t sound like a direct challenge to American sovereignty, what does? While the governor’s rhetoric is sharp, it’s rooted in a desire to protect Texas from perceived external threats.
Under this new designation, both organizations face intensified scrutiny from law enforcement across the state. It’s not just a symbolic gesture—there’s real teeth here, including a ban on property acquisition. For a state as property-proud as Texas, that’s a serious roadblock.
Now, let’s talk about CAIR’s complicated history with the federal government. Back in 2023, the Biden White House collaborated with CAIR on a national strategy to combat antisemitism, painting a picture of partnership. That cozy relationship soured by December of that year when the administration severed ties after a top CAIR executive reportedly expressed support for Hamas’ terror attack on Israel.
The fallout didn’t stop there. The Department of Justice has been digging into whether CAIR, previously tied to Hamas by the department, should keep receiving taxpayer dollars, with investigations heating up as of July 2025. Add to that calls from Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York and Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas for the Treasury Department to probe CAIR’s funding sources, and you’ve got a group under a serious microscope.
CAIR, for its part, isn’t taking this lying down. “Although we are flattered by Greg Abbott’s obsession with our civil rights organization, his publicity stunt masquerading as a proclamation has no basis in fact or law,” a spokesperson fired back. It’s a snappy retort, but when your group is linked to controversial statements and past investigations, the defense starts to look a bit thin.
CAIR’s mission, according to its own website, is to promote justice, protect civil rights, and empower American Muslims. That sounds noble on paper, but critics argue the organization’s actions and affiliations tell a different story. The question remains: where’s the line between advocacy and something more troubling?
The Muslim Brotherhood, with its nearly century-long history, adds another layer of complexity. Described as a foundational Islamist movement, its global influence raises eyebrows among conservatives who see it as a potential ideological threat. Abbott’s move to lump it in with CAIR under these designations signals a zero-tolerance stance.
Of course, not everyone’s cheering from the sidelines. Some will argue that labeling advocacy groups as terrorist organizations risks chilling free speech and alienating communities. It’s a fair concern, but when national security is on the line, tough calls must be made.
Texas isn’t known for backing down, and this policy is a classic example of the state flexing its muscle. By blocking land purchases and ramping up enforcement, Abbott is sending a message that resonates with many who feel the federal government has been too soft on potential threats.
Still, the debate over civil liberties versus security isn’t going away anytime soon. While Abbott’s supporters see this as a necessary safeguard, opponents will likely frame it as an overreach targeting specific communities. Finding the balance is the real challenge here.
At the end of the day, Texas has drawn a line in the sand with this designation of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood. Whether it’s a masterstroke of state sovereignty or a step too far depends on where you stand. One thing’s for sure—this story is far from over, and the ripples will be felt far beyond the Lone Star State.