Trump Establishes Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, officially creating a presidential commission dedicated to the protection and promotion of religious liberty in the United States. The announcement and signing ceremony took place during a National Day of Prayer event held at the White House, marking a significant step in the administration’s ongoing focus on faith-based initiatives.
The newly formed commission, a key element of Trump’s broader agenda to support religious freedom, will be chaired by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. During the White House event, Patrick emphasized what he perceived as a period of neglect and even opposition to religious values during the previous administration. He articulated a strong stance against any perceived interference between individuals and their faith, stating, "There’s a saying that no one should get between a doctor and a patient. I think we would say no one should get between God and a believer. No one should get between God and those seeking him."
The Trump administration has consistently positioned itself as a staunch defender of religious liberties. Highlighting this commitment, another administration official vowed that the Trump administration would be the “biggest defenders of religious liberties."
The commission’s primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of religious freedom in the United States. This includes identifying existing threats to religious liberty, exploring avenues for enhancing religious freedom, and delving into the historical context of American religious liberty.
According to a White House fact sheet accompanying the executive order, the commission’s report will address a range of specific issues that are central to the ongoing debate over religious freedom. These include:
- Parental Rights in Religious Education: Examining the extent to which parents have the right to direct the religious education of their children, particularly in the context of public schools and other educational institutions.
- School Choice: Assessing the role of school choice programs, such as vouchers and tax credits, in promoting religious freedom by allowing parents to send their children to schools that align with their religious beliefs.
- Attacks on Religious Places of Worship: Addressing instances of vandalism, violence, or other forms of hostility directed at religious institutions, and exploring measures to protect these sacred spaces.
- Free Speech Issues for Religious Organizations: Evaluating the extent to which religious organizations can freely express their views on matters of public concern, without fear of government reprisal or discrimination.
Paula White-Cain, who leads the White House’s faith office, further underscored the administration’s commitment to faith during the prayer event. She asserted that under President Trump’s leadership, faith has been brought back to its rightful place at the center of American society.
The formation of this commission follows other actions taken by the Trump administration to prioritize religious freedom. These include establishing a White House Faith Office to serve as a liaison between the administration and the faith community, as well as creating a task force at the Justice Department focused on combating anti-Christian bias.
The commission’s composition is intended to reflect the diversity of religious perspectives within the United States. According to the White House fact sheet, the commission will include leaders from diverse religious backgrounds, clergy members, legal experts, academics, and public advocates. These individuals will contribute their expertise and insights to the commission’s work.
Beyond its research and analysis functions, the commission will also serve as an advisory body to the White House, providing guidance on policy and legislative solutions to advance religious liberty. This direct input from religious leaders and experts is intended to inform the administration’s decision-making process on matters related to faith.
Among those appointed to the commission is American TV personality and author Phillip McGraw, known as Dr. Phil, who has his own television show. McGraw’s presence at the White House during the prayer event further highlighted the administration’s efforts to engage with a wide range of voices on the issue of religious freedom.
The establishment of this commission comes at a time when religious freedom is a topic of intense debate in the United States. Different perspectives exist on the scope and limits of religious freedom, as well as the appropriate balance between religious rights and other constitutional values. The commission’s work is expected to contribute to this ongoing conversation and inform policy decisions related to religious freedom.
The Supreme Court also appears to be weighing in on religious freedom. Recent news highlights that the Supreme Court appears to side with parents in a religious liberty dispute over storybooks.
The establishment of the Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty signals a continued focus on the issue of religious freedom by the Trump administration. The commission’s work is expected to contribute to the ongoing debate about religious freedom in the United States and inform policy decisions in this area. This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
