Carrie Prejean Boller Ousted from Trump Religious Liberty Commission Amid Antisemitism Debate
Washington D.C. – Carrie Prejean Boller, a prominent conservative activist and former Miss California, has been removed from President Donald Trump's Religious Liberty Commission. The decision, announced by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the commission's chair, follows a contentious hearing this week that focused on the definition and prevalence of antisemitism in the United States.
Ouster Follows Heated Commission Hearing
The removal of Prejean Boller, who has publicly supported Donald Trump's political campaigns, came after a hearing characterized by tense exchanges. Sources indicate that the dispute centered on Prejean Boller's defense of commentator Candace Owens, who has been accused of frequently sharing antisemitic conspiracy theories. During the hearing, Prejean Boller reportedly denied that Owens had ever uttered antisemitic remarks. She also invoked a Bible verse attributing the death of Jesus to Jews and questioned the notion that criticism of Israel is sometimes a mask for antisemitism.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, in a statement, asserted his authority in making the decision. "No member of the commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue," Patrick stated. "This is clearly, without question, what happened Monday in our hearing on antisemitism in America. This was my decision."
Prejean Boller Challenges Removal, Cites 'Zionist Political Agenda'
In response to her removal, Carrie Prejean Boller challenged Lt. Gov. Patrick's authority, asserting that only President Donald Trump possesses the power to dismiss commission members. In a post on the social media platform X, Prejean Boller characterized Patrick's actions as reflecting "a Zionist political agenda." This statement further intensified the controversy surrounding her departure.
Commission Faces Scrutiny and Lawsuit
The incident occurs as the Religious Liberty Commission, established by President Trump last year, is itself facing legal challenges. Progressive religious groups have filed a new federal lawsuit, alleging that the commission fails to represent a diversity of religious views and is overwhelmingly composed of conservative Christian members. The lawsuit highlights ongoing debates about representation and inclusivity within federally appointed bodies.
Broader Debate on Antisemitism and Free Speech
Prejean Boller's ouster is situated within a wider, increasingly polarized discussion regarding the extent to which public platforms should be afforded to commentators expressing controversial or potentially antisemitic views. The hearing itself featured testimony from individuals, including students, who recounted experiences of alleged antisemitism on university campuses amidst pro-Palestinian protests during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Clashes Over Testimony and Definitions
During the hearing, Prejean Boller engaged in sharp exchanges with witnesses. Seth Dillon, CEO of the conservative satirical website The Babylon Bee, testified about the necessity for conservatives to counter a perceived rise in antisemitism on the right. Prejean Boller reportedly questioned Dillon on whether critics of Israel should automatically be classified as antisemitic. Dillon clarified that while criticism of Israel itself isn't inherently antisemitic, context is crucial, and some individuals do use criticism of Israel as a cover for antisemitic sentiments.
Further adding to the contentious nature of the hearing, Prejean Boller reportedly questioned the pressure on social media platforms to ban quotations of a specific Bible verse that attributes the death of Jesus to Jewish people. She also disputed claims that Candace Owens had made antisemitic statements, despite Dillon citing instances such as Owens referring to her critics as being "of the synagogue of Satan."
A Look Back at Carrie Prejean Boller's Public Career
Carrie Prejean, who gained national recognition as Miss California in 2009, has a history of making public statements on social and political issues. During the Miss USA pageant that year, she drew criticism for her stance that marriage should exclusively be between a man and a woman, a position that sparked considerable debate. Since then, she has transitioned into a role as a conservative activist, frequently engaging in political discourse and supporting conservative causes and candidates.
The removal of Prejean Boller from the Religious Liberty Commission underscores the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives surrounding issues of religious freedom, antisemitism, and the boundaries of free speech in contemporary American politics. The commission's composition and the conduct of its hearings continue to be subjects of intense public and legal scrutiny.