Texas Governor Calls for Federal Action Against Muslim Group
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested the Trump administration to revoke the tax-exempt status of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), citing alleged connections to terrorist organizations.
In a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Governor Abbott called for an investigation into CAIR's tax-exempt status, arguing that federal investigators and court documents have identified the organization as "a direct subsidiary of the Muslim Brotherhood" and a front group for Hamas operations in the United States.
The request follows President Trump's recent executive order establishing procedures to designate certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as terrorist organizations. The President indicated that final documentation for such designations would be prepared in the strongest possible terms.
Legal and Security Concerns
Governor Abbott emphasized that Hamas has maintained its designation as a terrorist organization by the United States since 1997. He noted that Hamas, as the Gaza-based branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, was responsible for the October 7 attack in Israel that resulted in the kidnapping and murder of American citizens.
The Texas Governor also referenced reports suggesting CAIR provided financial incentives to university students who disrupted academic activities and engaged in harassment while expressing support for the October 7 attack.
"Americans have generous hearts, and federal law wisely creates incentives to donate to nonprofit organizations that promote the public good," Abbott stated. "But charity must not become a backdoor to sponsor terrorism, endanger Americans, and subvert our democracy."
State-Level Action
Last month, Governor Abbott issued a proclamation designating both the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as terrorist organizations within Texas. This order prohibits these groups from acquiring property in the state and subjects their affiliates to enhanced penalties under state law.
The proclamation accused the organizations of attempting to impose religious law through force and of supporting global terrorism through violence, intimidation, and harassment.
Organizational Response
CAIR has responded by initiating legal action against Governor Abbott and rejecting all allegations. The organization maintains that it has consistently condemned violence, hate crimes, and terrorism in all forms.
In its statement, CAIR characterized the Governor's actions as publicity measures lacking factual or legal foundation, describing them as an attempt to advance anti-Muslim sentiment rather than serve the interests of Texas residents.
Under federal regulations, tax-exempt status must be suspended when an organization receives designation as a foreign terrorist organization, according to Governor Abbott's interpretation of existing law.