On May 1, 2025, President Donald Trump stood in the White House Rose Garden, surrounded by faith leaders, and signed an executive order that could reshape the landscape of religious freedom in America. The event, held during a multifaith National Day of Prayer, marked the creation of the Religious Liberty Commission—a new body tasked with safeguarding the rights of believers in an increasingly secular nation. With Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick as chairman and prominent figures like Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Dr. Ben Carson, and TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw as members, the commission signals Trump’s commitment to prioritizing faith in his second term. But what does this mean for the country, and why is it sparking both praise and concern?
A Response to Perceived Threats
The commission comes at a time when Trump and his supporters argue that religious liberty is under siege. According to a White House fact sheet, the commission will focus on key areas like parental rights in religious education, school choice, conscience protections for healthcare workers, free speech for religious organizations, and protections against attacks on houses of worship. It will also tackle controversial issues like vaccine mandates and voluntary prayer in public schools. The goal? To produce a comprehensive report on the state of religious freedom in America, propose strategies to promote “peaceful religious pluralism,” and recommend policies to strengthen protections for future generations.
Trump framed the move as a necessary correction to what he sees as attacks on faith during the previous administration. “They say, ‘separation between church and state’ … I said, ‘All right, let’s forget about that for one time,’” he remarked at the event, adding with a quip, “Is that a good thing or bad thing? I’m not sure.” Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick echoed this sentiment, stating, “The last administration attacked people of faith for four years. … No one should get between God and a believer.”
A Star-Studded Commission
The commission’s lineup is a mix of political heavyweights, religious leaders, and cultural figures. Dan Patrick, a staunch conservative known for his strong Christian beliefs, will lead the group. Dr. Ben Carson, a former neurosurgeon and Trump’s Housing and Urban Development secretary, brings his evangelical perspective. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the influential archbishop of New York, and Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota add Catholic voices to the mix, though Dolan was absent from the signing due to his duties in Rome for the papal conclave following Pope Francis’s death. Dr. Phil McGraw, a surprising addition, reflects Trump’s knack for blending pop culture with policy. Other members include Pastor Paula White, a key spiritual advisor to Trump, and Rev. Franklin Graham, a prominent evangelical leader.
Bishop Barron, in a post on X, expressed gratitude for his appointment, citing the Catholic Church’s long-standing commitment to religious freedom. “I see my task as bringing the perspective of Catholic social teaching to bear as the Commission endeavors to shape public policy,” he wrote, comparing his role to that of Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, a priest who served on multiple presidential commissions.
A Divisive Move
While Trump’s evangelical base cheers the commission, not everyone is on board. Critics, including some religious leaders, argue that Trump’s policies—on immigration, the environment, and more—clash with the values of many faith communities. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called some of Trump’s executive orders “deeply troubling” earlier this year, and the late Pope Francis labeled his mass deportation plans a “disgrace.” A group of scholars and faith leaders also raised alarms about a related Trump task force on anti-Christian bias, warning it could favor one Christian tradition over others or even provide cover for white supremacy.
These concerns highlight a broader tension: while Trump champions religious liberty, U.S. adults are increasingly moving away from organized religion. The rise of the “nones”—those who identify with no religion—suggests that the commission’s mission may face an uphill battle in a diversifying nation.
What’s at Stake?
The Religious Liberty Commission is more than a symbolic gesture. It will advise the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council, with the power to recommend executive actions or legislation. Its work could influence everything from education policy to healthcare regulations, potentially reshaping how religious freedom is balanced with other rights. For supporters, it’s a bold defense of a core American value. For critics, it risks blurring the line between church and state in a way that could alienate nonbelievers or minority faiths.
As the commission begins its work, set to conclude by July 4, 2026, the nation will be watching. Will it strengthen protections for people of faith, as Trump promises, or deepen divisions in an already polarized country? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Trump’s vision of bringing “religion back to our country” is taking shape, and it’s sparking a conversation that won’t be easily ignored.
