WASHINGTON, D.C. — Anila Ali, President and CEO of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), has called for what she described as a “serious, evidence-based investigation” into several American Muslim organizations over alleged ideological, institutional, or financial links to the Muslim Brotherhood.

In a post published on X (formerly Twitter), Ali referenced the case of Swiss academic Tariq Ramadan, the grandson of Muslim Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna. Ramadan was barred from entering the United States during the administration of President George W. Bush but later received an exemption signed by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2010, allowing him to obtain a U.S. visa.

Ali argued that the decision reflected what she characterized as a broader failure by Democratic Party leaders to address the influence of individuals and organizations allegedly associated with the Muslim Brotherhood in American political and civic life.

Ali wrote that affiliates of the Muslim Brotherhood had allegedly operated within political and advocacy circles through organizations such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), Emgage and other Muslim advocacy groups.

Ali also cited allegations regarding a 2011 Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) gathering in Texas, where Ramadan reportedly appeared as a keynote speaker. Referring to claims made by an attendee, she said the event promoted political engagement aimed at increasing the long-term acceptance of Islamic legal principles through democratic institutions. Ali stressed that such allegations should be examined rather than dismissed.

Calling for greater scrutiny, Ali urged authorities to investigate organizations including CAIR, ICNA, ISNA and MUNA, as well as any groups alleged to have ideological, institutional or financial connections to Muslim Brotherhood networks.

Ali noted that the U.S. State Department confirmed in 2010 that Secretary Clinton had signed Ramadan’s exemption, and that American officials at the time determined he did not pose a threat to the United States.

Her comments come amid ongoing national debates over political influence, religious advocacy organizations, national security concerns, and the role of faith-based groups in public life. Recent legislative and policy discussions in states such as Texas and Florida have also focused on organizations alleged to have ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, though such claims remain subjects of political and legal debate.