Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested that the U.S. Treasury Department investigate the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and suspend its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. In a letter sent to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Governor Abbott cited federal investigations and court filings that describe CAIR as “a direct subsidiary of the Muslim Brotherhood and as a ‘front group’ for Hamas in the United States.”
“Accordingly, I respectfully request that you investigate CAIR for suspension of its tax-exempt status. Americans have generous hearts, and federal law wisely creates incentives to donate to nonprofit organizations that promote the public good. But charity must not become a backdoor to sponsor terrorism, endanger Americans, and subvert our democracy,” Abbott wrote.
Governor Abbott’s administration has previously taken steps regarding these concerns. Actions include designating both the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations, calling for investigations into Sharia courts, and directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to look into activities related to both groups.
