Trump announces task force, commission to protect Christians from discrimination

President Donald Trump announced plans Thursday to establish a presidential commission and a task force aimed at combating what he describes as religious discrimination against Christians.

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump outlined multiple steps he intends to take to safeguard religious liberty, promising that his administration would protect Christians “in our schools, in our military, in our government, in our workplaces, hospitals, and in our public squares.”

“While I’m in the White House, we will bring our country back together as one nation under God,” Trump said.

New Task Force, Commission on Religious Liberty

As part of his initiative, Trump said he would sign an executive order appointing former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead a new task force dedicated to eliminating “anti-Christian bias.” The group’s goal, he stated, will be to prevent and address discrimination against Christians within the federal government.

In addition, Trump pledged to form a Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty, which he said would “work tirelessly to uphold this most fundamental right.”

Faith Office to be Led by Paula White

Trump also announced the creation of a White House Faith Office, which will be led by the Rev. Paula White, a longtime religious adviser to Trump. White, a well-known televangelist, has been a key figure in Trump’s outreach to evangelical Christians.

Political and Legal Context

Trump has frequently accused Democrats of infringing on religious freedoms and has argued that Christians are being unfairly targeted. His comments come amid ongoing debates over religious liberty and federal law enforcement actions.

Republican lawmakers have criticized the Biden administration for prosecuting anti-abortion activists who blocked access to abortion clinics. Trump last month issued pardons for nearly two dozen individuals convicted in these cases.

GOP leaders also raised concerns last year over an FBI memo that identified links between white nationalist groups and “Radical-Traditionalist Catholics.” Then-FBI Director Christopher Wray later withdrew the memo, acknowledging it was inappropriate to base investigations on religious affiliation.

While the Biden administration has launched initiatives to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, Trump’s latest move signals a distinct focus on Christian religious liberty.