Texas Governor Abbott Urges Revocation of CAIR’s Nonprofit Status

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton revoke the nonprofit status of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and prevent the organization from operating within the state.

In a letter released by the governor’s office on Thursday, Abbott cited concerns about the organization’s alleged ties to radical Islamic groups. “Under Texas law, the Texas Attorney General is the only elected official charged with regulating nonprofits that may be violating the law,” Abbott wrote in his request to Paxton.

The Attorney General’s office has already begun investigating two Texas school districts over connections to the Islamic Games of North America, an organization that frequently collaborates with CAIR. Paxton expressed strong support for the governor’s initiative in a statement.

“The spread of radical Islam in Texas must be stopped, and if school districts are continuing to promote or partner with organizations tied to an FTO [Foreign Terrorist Organization], that ends now,” Paxton said. “I will ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are not materially supporting activities by Islamist terrorists in violation of Texas law.”

This action is not Abbott’s first move against CAIR. The governor previously directed Texas school districts to cut ties with both CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, arguing that these organizations cannot legally operate on public school property under state regulations.

In his statement, Abbott alleged that extensive documentation exists detailing the threats posed by these organizations. “Voluminous documents detail the dangers posed to Texans by the Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR, and their affiliates,” he said. “Regardless of the facade CAIR attempts to portray in press releases, CAIR cannot be allowed to use its ‘nonprofit’ status as a shield for sponsoring terror, advancing radical Islamism in Texas, or fronting for the Muslim Brotherhood.”

The governor added, “The same goes for other entities pretending to engage in charity by day, while sponsoring terror by night.”

CAIR has forcefully rejected Abbott’s accusations, including claims that it serves as a front organization for Hamas. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a CAIR spokesperson called Abbott “desperate” and criticized his policy positions regarding Israel.

“Greg Abbott has spent several years trying and failing to silence Texans who dared to criticize the waste of American taxpayer dollars on the Israeli government’s crimes,” the CAIR spokesperson stated. The organization confirmed it has already taken legal action against Abbott “to block his unconstitutional proclamation targeting our Texas chapter.”

“While CAIR’s legal team deals with Mr. Abbott’s antics in a court of law, CAIR-Texas remains squarely focused on protecting free speech, religious freedom, and civil rights for all Texans,” the spokesperson added.

The governor’s action follows similar scrutiny at the federal level. Just weeks ago, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith referred CAIR’s California chapter to the Internal Revenue Service for investigation. Smith’s referral cited alleged misuse of taxpayer funds, potential violations of federal law, and support for unlawful activities.

“Tax-exempt status is a privilege, not a right,” Smith, a Republican from Missouri, told Fox News Digital earlier this month. “Organizations that receive special treatment under the tax code must follow the law and operate in the public interest, not bankroll illegal activity, mislead federal agencies, or misuse hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”

The dispute highlights growing tensions between some state governments and Islamic advocacy organizations, particularly following increased scrutiny of such groups after the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent conflict. The legal battle between Texas officials and CAIR will likely center on First Amendment protections and the state’s authority to regulate nonprofit organizations based on alleged ties to foreign entities.

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for religious and advocacy organizations operating in Texas and potentially set precedents for similar actions in other states.