Texas Sen. John Cornyn, facing a heated Republican Senate primary runoff against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, repeatedly praised Islamic Relief USA in video messages and letters after the State Department cut ties with its parent organization over concerns including praise of terrorists and antisemitism.
A Fox News Digital review found two video messages and two letters where Cornyn commended the organization. In May 2021, following the State Department's public airing of concerns about Islamic Relief Worldwide, Cornyn said in a video address: "Thanks to my friends at Islamic Relief USA for all their humanitarian work." A year later, he wrote a letter to "recognize and thank" the group for its "humanitarian efforts across Texas and our nation," and in 2023 again referred to IRUSA as "friends" while commending their service to vulnerable populations.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic critics have pointed to Cornyn's statements as evidence of poor vetting of organizations receiving federal attention. The State Department wrote in December 2020 regarding Islamic Relief Worldwide: "As we witness a rise in anti-Semitism in every corner of the globe, it is incumbent on all people of good conscience to stand strong and exhibit zero tolerance for the blatant and horrifying anti-Semitism and glorification of violence exhibited at the most senior levels of IRW." Progressive advocacy groups argue that lawmakers should exercise greater caution when associating with organizations flagged by federal agencies. Some Democrats have noted that Cornyn's praise came despite documented concerns about ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a multinational Islamist political movement whose some branches have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the United States.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican defenders of Cornyn note his consistent public opposition to radical Islam and emphasize the humanitarian work of Islamic Relief USA's domestic operations. "Senator Cornyn has been a strong voice against antisemitism and Islamist extremism throughout his career," a Cornyn campaign spokesperson said, pointing to his co-sponsorship of legislation targeting organizations like CAIR following terror designations. The campaign argues that Cornyn was praising the American arm's charitable work in Texas communities, not endorsing its parent organization. Other Republicans note that multiple GOP lawmakers, including Sens. Ted Cruz and Chuck Grassley, also sent communications to Islamic Relief USA after State Department concerns emerged, suggesting this reflects broader engagement rather than ideological sympathy.
What the Numbers Show
Islamic Relief Worldwide operates in over 100 countries with an annual budget exceeding $200 million, according to its most recent public filings. The organization was cut off by multiple governments and banking entities following terror financing investigations. In late 2025, Islamic Relief USA moved to sever ties with its parent organization, arguing that the conduct of IRW had significantly damaged the American branch's reputation. Cornyn faces Paxton in a primary runoff where polling shows the race within single digits, with both candidates emphasizing opposition to radical Islam as central to their campaigns.
The Bottom Line
Cornyn's praise of Islamic Relief USA while facing scrutiny from his right presents political risk in a competitive primary. Paxton has repeatedly questioned Cornyn's conservative credentials on cultural and national security issues. Both Republicans have made anti-extremism a campaign focal point, making the optics of associating with an organization flagged by federal agencies potentially problematic. The race represents one of the most closely watched GOP primaries of 2026, with implications for Senate Republican leadership and the party's stance on foreign aid organizations operating domestically.