CAIR sues DeSantis over his order labeling CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist groups, calling it unconstitutional and politically driven.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over his December 2025 executive order labeling CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, arguing the move exceeds state authority and violates the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims only the federal government can designate terrorist groups and that the order threatens free speech, due process, and equal protection, particularly targeting CAIR’s advocacy for Palestinian rights. It also challenges the governor’s public comments suggesting he would examine CAIR’s finances, calling the action politically motivated. Similar designations by Texas Governor Greg Abbott have already been challenged in court. The case centers on state overreach, religious discrimination, and civil liberties.