According to Fox News reporting, rep. Derek Tran, a Democrat representing parts of California, is facing significant criticism after hosting leaders from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) at his Capitol Hill office last week. The meeting occurred as part of an annual lobbying event known as “National Muslim Advocacy Day,” organized by various Muslim advocacy groups.
CAIR, described as the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the United States, has recently been designated a terrorist organization by the states of Texas and Florida. These designations followed accusations that the group has provided support for Hamas. In response to these actions, CAIR has initiated legal proceedings, filing defamation lawsuits against Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Among the individuals present at the meeting was Hussam Ayloush, the executive director of CAIR’s Los Angeles chapter. Ayloush has previously faced scrutiny for remarks concerning Israel, including a statement where he asserted that “Israel should be attacked.” He also stated that an occupier never has the right to defend itself, asserting that only the occupied, in this case, the Palestinian people, possess such a right.
Tran shared his participation in the event on social media platform X, stating, “Proud to welcome folks from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) for an important conversation about fighting Islamophobia and defending civil rights for every member of our community.” Ayloush, in a separate post, commented on Tran, saying, “In a short time, Rep. Derek Tran has earned the respect of many in his district.”
Following Tran’s post, social media users rapidly responded, with many users condemning his decision to host CAIR. One user directly commented, “Literally hosting terrorists.” The event took place shortly after CAIR stated it had assisted in promoting Tran’s campaign for the congressional seat representing portions of Orange County and Los Angeles County, a seat he won narrowly in 2024 against Republican Michelle Steel.
CAIR has a history of being accused of adopting anti-Israel stances. Following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, Ayloush reportedly commented that the notion of Israel’s right to self-defense was a myth. He was quoted at a 2023 event stating, “The only ones who have the right to defend themselves are the occupied, in this case, the Palestinian people.” He further elaborated that “Israel should be attacked” and that “If you continue to occupy people’s land every means according to international law to defend and resist the occupation is within your hand.”
Similar sentiments have been expressed by other CAIR leaders. According to the nonprofit Middle East Media and Research Institute (MEMRI), Nihad Awad, CAIR’s executive director, reportedly expressed satisfaction with the October 7 events. Awad was quoted as saying, “I was happy to see the people of Gaza break the siege on October 7. They were victorious. The people of Gaza have the right to self-defense. Israel does not.”
Further complicating CAIR’s standing, the organization was identified in 2007 as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) trial. During this trial, five individuals associated with the HLF were convicted of conspiring to transfer approximately $12.4 million to Hamas during the early 2000s.
