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Trump Administration Removes Former Miss California from Religious Commission Over Antisemitism Controversy
The Trump administration has swiftly removed Carrie Prejean Boller from the White House Religious Liberty Commission following accusations that she attempted to “hijack” a hearing on antisemitism to promote her personal agenda, drawing praise from religious leaders and conservatives across the political spectrum.
“Carrie Prejean was thrown off the Religious Liberty Commission, and thank God,” a former Trump White House official told Fox News Digital. “These commissions exist to advance the President’s agenda, not to serve as a personal Jew-hating platform.”
Boller, who won the Miss California USA title in 2009 before being stripped of her crown over alleged contract violations, gained national attention that same year for speaking out against legalizing gay marriage during the pageant. Donald Trump, who owned the Miss Universe Organization at the time, publicly defended her.
The controversy erupted during a commission hearing Monday at Washington D.C.’s Museum of the Bible focused on combating antisemitism and protecting religious freedom. Boller, who converted to Catholicism from evangelical Christianity in April, wore a Palestinian flag pin and made several contentious remarks, including stating that “Catholics don’t embrace Zionism.”
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who chairs the commission, cited her attempts to promote her “own personal and political agenda” as the reason for her dismissal. The commission was established in May through a presidential executive order directing the Department of Justice to support the body’s work in upholding “Federal laws that protect all citizens’ full participation in a pluralistic democracy, and protect the free exercise of religion.”
Catholic League President Bill Donohue swiftly condemned Boller’s remarks and called for her removal in an opinion piece on his organization’s website.
“For her to say, without qualification, that ‘Catholics do not embrace Zionism,’ is presumptuous and arrogant,” Donohue wrote. “There are millions of Catholics like myself who, even if they do not identify themselves as Zionists, recognize the Jewish state of Israel.”
Shawn Carney, president and CEO of the pro-life group 40 Days for Life, called her claim “absurd” and “a recent fad and an online invention,” noting that “Catholic teaching holds that the Church is the fulfillment of the promises of the Old Covenant.”
During the hearing, Boller engaged in heated exchanges with multiple participants. She challenged Shabbos Kestenbaum, a former Harvard student who sued the university over its response to antisemitism, asking if he would “condemn what Israel has done in Gaza.” She also defended controversial commentator Candace Owens when questioned about Owens’ alleged antisemitic remarks.
The former Trump White House official emphasized that supporting Israel has long been a priority for President Trump, citing his administration’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and brokering of the Abraham Accords.
“Supporting Israel and standing with Jewish Americans is not just morally right, it is America First,” the official said.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz commented on the controversy, calling Boller’s actions “just sad” and rejecting her characterization of Catholic views toward Israel. “And no, Catholics don’t hate Israel,” Cruz wrote. “As Charlie Kirk said repeatedly, antisemitism is a brain rot, and someone has been pouring this poison into her head.”
Following her removal, Boller disputed Patrick’s authority to dismiss her, stating on social media that only the president could remove her from the commission. Cruz responded directly: “Let’s be clear: it was President Trump who fired her.”
Boller has remained defiant, continuing to defend her positions on social media. “I will never bend the knee to the state of Israel. Ever,” she wrote. “Christians have been manipulated into believing that God blesses bombing, starvation, and mass killing. That is the opposite of Christ, who came to stand with the suffering and confront power.”
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within religious and political circles regarding U.S. policy toward Israel, particularly in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks and subsequent conflict in Gaza.
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12 Comments
I’m curious to learn more about the specifics of the incident that led to Ms. Boller’s removal from the White House Religious Liberty Commission. Maintaining objectivity and focus on the commission’s mission should be the top priority.
Agreed, the details around the disruption would be helpful to better understand the decision. Commissions must operate in a professional manner to effectively address important issues like antisemitism and religious freedom.
While I respect Ms. Boller’s right to express her views, using a commission hearing on antisemitism to advance a personal agenda seems misguided. These panels must stay objective and centered on their core mission.
Agreed. Disrupting important discussions on issues like religious freedom and antisemitism is counterproductive. Commissions need to operate effectively without distractions.
The reported disruption by Ms. Boller during the antisemitism hearing is troubling. While freedom of speech is important, commissions need to function effectively without derailment. Removing her was likely the right call to preserve the integrity of the panel’s work.
The removal of Carrie Prejean Boller from the White House Religious Liberty Commission is understandable given the reported disruption at the antisemitism hearing. Maintaining the integrity and focus of these bodies is critical.
The removal of Carrie Prejean Boller from the White House Religious Liberty Commission is understandable given the reported disruption and apparent agenda-pushing during the antisemitism hearing. Commissions need to remain objective and serve their intended purpose.
Absolutely. Promoting personal views instead of the commission’s work is inappropriate. Maintaining the integrity and focus of these bodies is crucial.
It’s concerning to see someone removed from a religious panel for disrupting a hearing on an important issue like antisemitism. While freedom of speech is crucial, maintaining order and respecting the purpose of these commissions is also vital.
I agree, the commission must stay focused on its mission of combating antisemitism and protecting religious freedom. Disruptive behavior that derails the proceedings is counterproductive.
As a person of faith, I appreciate the efforts to combat antisemitism and protect religious freedom. However, using a commission hearing to promote personal agendas is concerning and undermines the important work at hand.
Agreed. These commissions must remain objective and centered on their core mission, not serve as platforms for individual views. Maintaining order and focus is essential.