Trump to Order Creation of Task Force to 'Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias'

written by a member of the WCB

In a significant move that has sparked both support and controversy, President Donald Trump announced plans to establish a task force aimed at combating what he terms "anti-Christian bias" within the federal government. The announcement came during Trump's address at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. on February 6, 2025.

Key Points of the Announcement

1. Executive Order: Trump stated he would sign an executive order to create this task force, which will be led by the Department of Justice.

2. Leadership: Attorney General Pam Bondi has been appointed to head the initiative.

3. Scope: The task force's mission is to "immediately halt all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government," including agencies such as the Department of Justice, FBI, and IRS.

4. Prosecution Mandate: Beyond government oversight, the task force is charged with prosecuting instances of "anti-Christian violence and vandalism" in society at large.

5. Religious Liberty Commission: Alongside the task force, Trump announced the formation of a presidential commission on religious liberty.

6. White House Faith Office: Trump also revealed plans to establish a White House faith office, to be led by Paula White, a pastor who previously served as an adviser to Trump.

Context and Reactions

The creation of this task force was part of the GOP's official platform in 2024, fulfilling a campaign promise made by Trump. The move has been met with mixed reactions:

- Supporters, like Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), praised the initiative as safeguarding religious liberty.

- Critics, including Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, argue that the task force might "misuse religious freedom to justify bigotry, discrimination, and the subversion of civil rights laws."

- Legal experts have raised questions about potential conflicts with the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from promoting or establishing a state religion.

Trump's Justification

Trump cited examples of what he considers persecution of Christians, including the case of Paulette Harlow, an anti-abortion activist whom he recently pardoned. Harlow had been convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act for blocking access to an abortion clinic.

Broader Implications

1. Constitutional Questions: The task force's creation raises concerns about the separation of church and state, a fundamental principle in the U.S. Constitution.

2. Political Strategy: The move is seen as part of Trump's ongoing efforts to court evangelical voters, a key constituency in his political base.

3. Shift in Focus: This initiative marks a departure from the previous administration's efforts, which focused on combating anti-semitism and Islamophobia.

4. Demographic Context: Some observers, like Andrew Seidel of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, view this as a response to changing demographics and the declining dominance of Christianity in American society.

As the details of the executive order emerge, legal experts, religious leaders, and civil rights advocates will be closely monitoring its implementation and potential impacts on religious freedom and civil liberties in the United States.