Trump receives religious liberty report, panel urges stronger faith protections
Washington, June 27
US President Donald Trump received a report from the Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty, with members urging his administration to strengthen protections for religious expression, combat anti-Semitism and roll back policies they said have undermined the free exercise of faith in the United States.
Receiving the report at the White House, Trump said the commission's recommendations would be studied closely and pledged that his administration would continue to protect religious freedom.
"America was founded by people of faith, and it was settled as a haven for religious freedom," Trump said. "We will closely study this report that is being presented to me as President today, and my administration will continue to work with the really the pillars of protecting religious liberty for all Americans."
The commission, chaired by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick with former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson as vice chairman, spent seven months gathering testimony from 103 witnesses before producing what Patrick described as a 200-page report.
Patrick said the commission found that many witnesses believed they had faced discrimination because of their religious beliefs.
"The overwhelming majority of our witnesses said that they were attacked and punished, and what was used against them was one phrase that's not in the Constitution," Patrick said. "And that phrase is separation of church and state."
He said the report recommends that the Department of Justice issue guidance clarifying "the proper understanding of the Establishment Clause and the separation of church and state." Other recommendations include issuing "Know Your Rights" guidance for students, parents, teachers, healthcare workers and military personnel.
Listing additional recommendations, Carlson said they include stronger enforcement against anti-Semitism, protection for religious Americans facing government litigation, repeal of the Johnson Amendment, streamlining religious accommodation for military personnel, restoring benefits for service members affected by Covid-19 vaccine-related employment decisions, and creating a Presidential Medal of Religious Liberty.
"I don't think anybody has done as much as you have," Carson told Trump. "Our founding document says that our rights come from our creator and not from government."
Several commission members said testimony presented during the hearings reflected concerns about religious discrimination in schools, healthcare, the military and workplaces.
Television personality Phil McGraw, known as Dr Phil, said witnesses described facing consequences for practising their faith in daily life.
"They can't show a cross on their desk at school. They can't refuse a vaccine because it's against their religion," McGraw said. "President Trump is backing them all the way and this commission is making all transparent."
Ryan Anderson, another comLmission member, said witnesses repeatedly described what he called "double standards where religious Americans were victimised", while Rabbi Meir Soloveichik thanked the administration for its efforts to combat anti-Semitism, calling it "a scary time in New York right now."
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the report marked "the work we have left to do" and pledged that the Justice Department would work with the White House to implement its recommendations.
The event briefly shifted to foreign policy when Trump was asked about Iran following the presentation. Asked whether Tehran would face consequences for what he described as violating a ceasefire, Trump replied: "You'll find out."
Religious liberty has remained a central issue for conservative groups throughout Trump's political career. During both of his administrations, Trump has argued that people of faith have faced increasing restrictions in public life, while his supporters have backed expanded protections for religious expression in schools, government institutions and the workplace.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The "separation of church and state" phrase isn't in the US Constitution? I learned something new today. But isn't that the whole point of the First Amendment? In India, we have the concept of "sarva dharma sambhava" - equal respect for all religions. America seems to struggle with this balance too. 🤔
"They can't show a cross on their desk at school" - really? In India, we have students wearing hijabs and turbans without issues. But then again, we also have cow vigilantes targeting beef eaters. Religious freedom is complex everywhere. Trump's commission seems like a political move to rally his evangelical base. Nothing new.
Rabbi Soloveichik saying "it's a scary time in New York" for anti-Semitism is concerning. But here's the thing - in India, we've seen attacks on Jews too (remember the 2008 Mumbai Chabad House attacks). Religious minorities everywhere need protection. The question is whether government commissions actually help or just create more division. 🙏
I'm a Hindu American living in the US. This report is troubling. The "religious liberty" argument is often used to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and women's rights. In India, we have our own issues with religious freedom, but at least our Constitution explicitly says "secular" - not that it's perfectly implemented. Trump's pandering to evangelicals is obvious.
As someone who works in interfaith dialogue in India, I see the same patterns here. When one religion feels threatened,
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.