Senator Tom Cotton has called for the IRS to revoke the nonprofit status of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), citing alleged ties to terrorist organizations such as Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Cotton’s request follows a history of concerns regarding CAIR’s connections to terrorist financing and controversial statements made by the group’s leadership.
Key Facts:
- Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is requesting the IRS revoke the nonprofit status of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) due to alleged ties to terror groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
- CAIR was an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation terrorism financing case, which involved $12.4M in support for Hamas.
- Cotton argues that tax-exempt status should not be granted to organizations linked to terrorism.
- CAIR has denied the accusations, calling them “debunked conspiracy theories,” and criticized Cotton’s actions as reminiscent of McCarthyism.
- CAIR’s National Executive Director, Nihad Awad, made controversial comments justifying violence and praising Hamas after the October 7th attacks.
The Rest of The Story:
Senator Tom Cotton’s letter to the IRS follows a long history of CAIR’s alleged ties to terrorism.
In the 2001 Holy Land Foundation case, the U.S. government connected the organization to Hamas, a known terrorist group, and accused CAIR of supporting their violent activities.
Although CAIR attempted to have its name removed from the list of unindicted co-conspirators, the Justice Department’s findings still stand.
Cotton believes that CAIR’s links to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood undermine its ability to maintain tax-exempt status.
CAIR, a prominent Muslim civil rights organization, has vehemently denied these allegations.
They argue that Cotton’s assertions are based on conspiracy theories and claim their mission is to defend American civil rights, combat anti-Muslim bias, and oppose global injustices.
They also condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Israel but continue to face scrutiny due to comments made by their leaders, such as Executive Director Nihad Awad, who expressed support for Palestinians’ right to self-defense after the October 7th massacre.
CAIR purports to be a civil rights organization that protects the rights of American Muslims. But evidence confirms @CAIRNational has deep ties to terrorist organizations.
I’ve asked the IRS to investigate their nonprofit status. This status is a privilege, not a right. pic.twitter.com/Nxdhj01oN4
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) August 5, 2025
Commentary:
The issue at hand goes beyond political theater; it’s about ensuring that organizations benefiting from the privilege of tax-exempt status align with American values and legal standards.
The allegations against CAIR are serious, pointing to deep ties with groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood—both of which are designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.
By continuing to operate under nonprofit status, CAIR is potentially enabling activities that contradict the core values of American democracy.
Nonprofits in the U.S. enjoy privileges that allow them to function without the same financial burdens as for-profit organizations.
However, this status should not be granted to any group that is involved in promoting or supporting terrorism.
In this context, Senator Cotton’s call for an investigation into CAIR’s nonprofit status is not just appropriate, it’s necessary.
These groups should be held accountable for their actions, especially when there are documented links to terrorism.
Additionally, CAIR’s response to Cotton’s call—branding it as a “McCarthy-era” move—only serves to deflect attention from the real issue.
By playing the victim card, CAIR avoids addressing the core concern: their connections to groups that have incited violence and terrorism.
It’s essential for the IRS to step in and examine whether CAIR truly meets the criteria for maintaining its nonprofit status.
The recent comments by CAIR’s executive director, Nihad Awad, in the wake of the October 7th attacks have further tarnished the organization’s reputation.
Awad’s remarks appeared to justify Hamas’ actions, an organization responsible for killing civilians.
While CAIR condemned the violence, the praise for “breaking the siege” and remarks about Palestinians’ right to self-defense were troubling.
These statements signal support for actions that undermine peace and security, making it even more crucial to examine whether CAIR is fit to retain its nonprofit status.
Moreover, the fact that members of CAIR’s leadership have referred to U.S. government officials and institutions in derogatory terms is alarming.
These individuals have consistently criticized U.S. policies and expressed hostility towards Israel, an ally of the United States.
Such behavior should be carefully scrutinized, especially when these leaders hold positions of influence within a nonprofit that benefits from American taxpayers’ dollars.
Given the current political climate, organizations like CAIR must be held to the highest standards of accountability.
A thorough investigation into their finances and operations would be a prudent step in ensuring that U.S. taxpayer money is not being funneled to groups that support violence or terrorism.
Cotton’s call for action is justified and should not be dismissed.
The Bottom Line:
Senator Tom Cotton’s request to revoke CAIR’s nonprofit status shines a light on the serious issue of organizations with suspected ties to terrorism enjoying tax-exempt privileges.
CAIR’s connections to Hamas and its leaders’ controversial remarks raise valid concerns about its operations and goals.
It is crucial for the IRS to conduct a thorough investigation into CAIR to ensure that American taxpayer money is not supporting terrorism-linked groups.
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