12/7/25 Reposted from knewz.com
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently issued a proclamation declaring the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) as “foreign terrorist organizations” (FTOs) and “transnational criminal organizations” under state law.
Knewz.com has learned that the designation prohibits both groups from acquiring land in Texas, and authorizes the state’s attorney general to sue to shut them down.
Texas terrorist organizations
In his statement, Governor Abbott accused the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR of long advancing a goal “to forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s ‘mastership of the world.’”
He asserted that both organizations have “supported terrorism across the globe” and used “violence, intimidation and harassment” to “subvert our laws.”
Abbott’s office further said that the FTO designation allows “heightened enforcement” against affiliates of both organizations.
State action vs. federal authority
The governor’s proclamation marks the first time a U.S. state has unilaterally labeled CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. However, the designations carry no federal weight, as neither CAIR nor the Muslim Brotherhood are listed by the U.S. Department of State as FTOs.
Notably, the Texas governor’s move has prompted immediate pushback.
Legal experts noted that only the federal government has authority under national and international law to designate terrorist groups.
Under the Supremacy Clause, a state-level designation may not hold up in court.
Governor’s move faces legal pushback
Within days, CAIR, joined by the Muslim Legal Fund of America, filed a federal lawsuit against Governor Abbott and the state’s attorney general, Ken Paxton.
The suit argued that the proclamation is “unconstitutional and defamatory,” violates due process by depriving the group of property rights without a proper hearing, and usurps the exclusive federal power to designate terrorist organizations.
CAIR also denounced the move as politically motivated and discriminatory, asserting that the group has condemned acts of terrorism and that designating a civil-rights advocacy group as a terror organization threatens free speech, religious freedom and civil rights.
Supporters defend Abbott’s move as necessary measure
Supporters of Abbott’s move argue it is a necessary measure to prevent extremist influence and potential property acquisitions by groups they view as hostile.
However, critics — including civil-rights advocates, Muslim leaders and constitutional law experts — warned that the designation could foster Islamophobia, chill free speech and politicize civil-rights organizations.
Additionally, because the designation lacks federal backing, its long-term enforcement may falter, as courts could overturn it, and CAIR has already mounted legal challenges.
