Oklahoma CAIR Investigation: What the Governor's Executive Order Actually Means


On August 12, 2026, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2026-29, directing the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security to conduct an Oklahoma CAIR investigation assessing whether the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Brotherhood, or individuals acting on their behalf present a terrorism or public-safety threat . The order references President Trump's November 2025 Executive Order 14362, which initiated federal consideration for designating certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

What Did Governor Stitt's Executive Order on CAIR Actually Do?

The executive order directs state agencies to take three specific actions. First, the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security shall "conduct an intelligence-based assessment to determine whether the Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR, or any affiliates, agents, or persons acting in concert with them, are engaged in conduct presenting a terroristic or public-safety threat" . Second, state public-safety leaders shall "advocate for the federal government to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as 'foreign terrorist organizations' pursuant to 8 U.S.C., Section 1189" . Third, Governor Stitt "highly encourage[s] the Oklahoma Legislature to enact legislation declaring that the Muslim Brotherhood and any chapter or subdivision thereof, including CAIR, are Foreign Terrorist Organizations" .


Can a State Designate a Terrorist Organization Under Federal Law?

The distinction between state and federal authority is critical. Under U.S. Code Title 8, Section 1189, the Secretary of State may designate an organization as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) based on three criteria: the organization is foreign, engages in terrorist activity, and such activity threatens U.S. national security . States lack this authority. Stitt's order explicitly acknowledges this, directing advocacy for federal action rather than imposing a designation itself . Texas and Florida have issued similar executive actions designating CAIR at the state level, though these face active federal lawsuits challenging their constitutionality .

Why Is Oklahoma Investigating CAIR's Ties to the Muslim Brotherhood?

The order cites historical allegations, including a 2009 terrorism financing case against the Holy Land Foundation in which CAIR appeared alongside 200 other groups as an "unindicted coconspirator" after appearing in banking records .  However, CAIR was not accused of a crime in the Holy Land Foundation case . The order does not offer specific proof that CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood in Oklahoma are colluding with terrorist groups.

What Is CAIR and What Does It Say About the Allegations?

CAIR was founded in 1994 to "advance American Muslim civil rights" and describes itself as a civil rights organization . CAIR Oklahoma Executive Director Veronica Laizure-Henry responded: "Throughout CAIR's long history in Oklahoma, our civil rights organization has worked to protect the Constitution's guarantees of free speech, religious freedom and equality under the law... Our successful civil rights work in Oklahoma is exactly why Gov. Stitt is targeting our organization with debunked conspiracy theories" . Political science professor Pauline Jones stated there is "no evidence of CAIR being tied to the Brotherhood or terrorist groups," noting CAIR has repeatedly condemned acts of terror.

H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a state investigation and federal FTO designation?A state investigation gathers intelligence within the state, while federal FTO designation—which states cannot impose—requires the Secretary of State to determine an organization is foreign, engages in terrorism, and threatens U.S. security . Stitt's order advocates for federal action rather than imposing designation.

How does Oklahoma's order compare to Texas and Florida actions?Texas and Florida have issued executive actions designating CAIR as a terrorist organization at the state level . Both face active federal lawsuits regarding constitutionality. Oklahoma's order emphasizes advocating for federal action rather than imposing state-level designation.

What historical allegations are cited in the order?The order cites a 2009 terrorism financing case in which CAIR appeared as an "unindicted coconspirator" and the UAE's 2014 designation of CAIR . CAIR was not accused of a crime in the Holy Land Foundation case.

What has been the response from civil rights groups?CAIR Oklahoma has rejected the allegations, stating their civil rights work is the reason for the targeting . Experts describe the order as "political theater" that demonizes Muslim people.

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