President Donald Trump’s new Religious Liberty Commission convened its first public meeting on June 16 at the Museum of the Bible, marking a major step in his administration’s campaign to elevate religious values and “restore faith in American life.” The commission is a key initiative in Trump’s second term, following the establishment of the White House Faith Office in February, replacing the former Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships under President Joe Biden.
Purpose and Structure of the Commission
The Religious Liberty Commission is tasked with advising the White House on issues of religious freedom. Comprised of up to 14 appointed members, the group is supported by three advisory boards: one each for religious leaders, legal experts, and lay figures. Members serve without pay, though travel costs may be reimbursed. The commission is set to operate until July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence—unless extended by the president.
According to the White House, the group aims to reflect “a diversity of faith traditions, professional backgrounds, and viewpoints,” though critics have raised questions about the commission’s ideological tilt.
Key Figures on the Commission
Several prominent Trump allies serve on the panel:
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (Texas) – Chair
- Dr. Ben Carson – Vice Chair and former HUD Secretary
- Rev. Franklin Graham – Evangelical leader
- Pastor Paula White – Head of the White House Faith Office
- Cardinal Timothy Dolan – Archbishop of New York
- Carrie Prejean Boller – Former Miss USA contestant and conservative activist
The religious advisory board includes figures from various Christian and Jewish denominations, including:
- Archbishop Elpidophoros (Greek Orthodox)
- Pastor Jack Graham (Southern Baptist)
- Rabbi Yaakov Menken (Orthodox Jewish leader)
Legal experts include:
- Jason Bedrick (Heritage Foundation)
- Josh Blackman (South Texas College of Law)
- Kristen Waggoner (Alliance Defending Freedom)
Lay leaders include:
- Alveda King, anti-abortion advocate and niece of Martin Luther King Jr.
- Abigail Robertson Allen, journalist and podcaster
- Sameerah Munshi, advocate for religious parental rights in public education
Commission’s Mandate and Goals
Created through an executive order on May 1, the commission is charged with advising the government on matters relating to religious liberty and free expression. A final report is due by July 4, 2026, addressing topics such as:
- Parental rights in religious education
- School choice
- Free speech protections for religious entities
- Conscience protections
- Attacks on houses of worship
- Institutional religious autonomy
The White House describes the effort as a response to “emerging threats” against religious liberty and an attempt to rekindle awareness of America’s founding commitment to faith.
Controversy Over Representation and Intent
Despite claims of diversity, critics note the absence of Muslim members on the commission itself—though a Muslim representative serves on the advisory board. Legal scholars and religious liberty advocates argue that the commission appears dominated by Christian conservative voices.
“Having a Catholic, a Protestant, and a Jew doesn’t equal ideological diversity if they all reflect the administration’s favored views,” said Richard Katskee, a law professor at Duke University.
Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of Berkeley Law, warned that the commission appears to be focused on promoting “government support for religion”—specifically forms of Christianity aligned with Trump’s political base.
Others, like Eugene Volokh, professor emeritus at UCLA Law, urged patience, stating:
“The commission may genuinely work to protect the rights of all religious groups. Time will tell.”
‘Anti-Christian Bias’ and Pardons Spark Debate
The White House also cited a need to counter what it called an “anti-Christian bias” in federal enforcement. Officials referenced the January pardons of nearly two dozen anti-abortion activists charged for blockading a reproductive health clinic in 2020. These activists had violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act), which protects access to abortion services.
According to the Justice Department, the charges were part of a longstanding legal framework to prevent violent or coercive interference in reproductive healthcare.
Broader Context and Criticism
Trump has emphasized that his administration celebrates “people of all faiths,” citing commemorations of Ramadan, Easter, and Passover at the White House. However, the commission’s narrow religious composition has raised concerns among civil rights advocates and First Amendment scholars.
Trump’s critics say the commission may blur the lines between church and state, promoting religious views that align closely with his political agenda.
As the commission prepares for additional public hearings and works on its final report, its actions will be closely monitored for how faithfully it upholds religious liberty for all Americans, not just a politically favored few.
