Controversy Stirs as DeSantis Tags CAIR as Terror Group

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a 'foreign terrorist organization.' This decision has sparked legal challenges from CAIR, which denies ties to terror groups. The move mirrors similar actions by other Republican governors and raises questions about its legal and factual basis.

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has stirred controversy by signing an executive order classifying the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a 'foreign terrorist organization.'

This unprecedented move prompted CAIR's Florida chapter to file a lawsuit, challenging the designation as defamatory and lacking legal merit. Hiba Rahim, interim executive director, announced the legal battle at a press conference in Tampa, questioning the governor's evidence.

DeSantis aligned with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who made a similar designation, despite CAIR's denial of any terrorist affiliations. The federal government has yet to list CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist entities, adding complexity to this unfolding legal and political dispute.

(With inputs from agencies.)