Religious Liberty Commission Meeting Descends into Chaos Over Antisemitism Debate
A recent gathering of President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission erupted into a heated shouting match, with members fiercely debating the complexities and perceived instances of antisemitism. The fractious encounter, as reported, saw significant infighting among conservative Christian commissioners when the topic of antisemitism on university campuses was raised.
Commission members Carrie Prejean Boller, who previously held the title of Miss California U.S.A. in 2009, and Seth Dillon, the CEO of the conservative satire outlet The Babylon Bee, were at the forefront of the heated exchanges. Their arguments reportedly centred on far-right commentator Tucker Carlson and the controversial MAGA influencer Candace Owens, with the debate questioning whether Owens’s public statements could be classified as antisemitic.
Boller, in defence of Owens, stated, “I have not heard one thing out of her mouth that I would say is antisemitic.” This assertion stands in contrast to Owens being labelled “Antisemite of the Year” in 2024 by the advocacy group StopAntisemitism.
Navigating the Nuances: Antisemitism vs. Anti-Zionism
Further exacerbating the tensions, Boller engaged in a loud dispute with several Jewish commission members regarding the distinction between antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Anti-Zionism is generally defined as opposition to the modern state of Israel, though it is also viewed by some as a veiled form of hostility towards Jewish people.
Boller, identifying as Catholic, declared, “Catholics do not embrace Zionism,” a statement that reportedly drew boos from the audience. Her condemnation of Islamophobia during the same session also met with a negative reaction.
Backlash and Calls for Resignation
Following the controversial remarks, Boller has faced significant pressure from within the MAGA movement itself, with calls for her to either voluntarily resign from the commission or be removed if she refused to step down. This backlash includes notable figures like far-right commentator Laura Loomer, often described as Trump’s informal “loyalty enforcer.” Loomer publicly denounced Boller’s comments as “disgraceful.”
Loomer took to social media to voice her strong disapproval, tweeting, “The Trump administration should not reward individuals who openly spread anti-Jewish propaganda.”
The Commission’s Mandate and Uncertain Future
President Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission last year. Its roster of members includes prominent figures such as Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R), Dr. Phil McGraw, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Reverend Franklin Graham, Pastor Paula White, and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, among others.
The commission’s mandate is currently scheduled to conclude on July 4th of this year. However, its future remains uncertain, with the possibility of an extension at Trump’s discretion. Given the highly charged and divisive atmosphere at its most recent meeting, some observers suggest that the commission is unlikely to continue beyond its planned dissolution this summer.
The internal discord within the MAGA sphere regarding antisemitism has been noted by commentators. One perspective suggests that this kind of internal conflict is not surprising and may be a predictable outcome for a political movement that has been accused of accommodating various forms of bigotry.
Related Developments and Concerns
- Trump’s New Commission Raises Eyebrows: Concerns have been voiced regarding a new commission appointed by Trump, which has largely flown under the radar, prompting questions about its objectives and potential impact.
- Religious Liberty Pledge Questioned: A government minister has warned that Trump’s promise to make America a “beacon for religious liberty” is nothing more than a “sham.”
- Catholic Bishops and Trump Administration: Reports indicate that Catholic bishops affiliated with the Trump administration have accused him of contravening the principles of “religious liberty.”
