The Trump administration swiftly removed Carrie Prejean Boller, a former Miss California winner, from the White House Religious Affairs Council. This move followed allegations that she tried to “hijack” a hearing on anti-Semitism, which garnered approval from many religious leaders and conservatives.
“Thank God she has been expelled from the Committee on Religious Liberty,” a former senior Trump official told FOX News Digital. They emphasized that such committees are meant to support the president’s policies, not to promote personal animosity towards Jews.
Prejean Boller’s dismissal came after she allegedly attempted to divert a hearing focused on anti-Semitism to push her own agenda, according to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who chairs the commission.
She gained notoriety in 2009 as Miss California USA but was later stripped of her title for reportedly violating her contract after voicing opposition to same-sex marriage during the competition. At that time, Trump owned the Miss Universe Organization and supported her stance.
In May, Trump established the Commission on Religious Freedom through an executive order, instructing the Justice Department to assist this agency, which aims to uphold federal laws ensuring all citizens’ participation in a diverse democracy and the free exercise of religion.
The commission convened a hearing to address anti-Semitism and religious freedom at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., where Prejean Boller wore a Palestinian flag pin and got into a contentious discussion. Recently converted to Catholicism, she cited her faith while making comments that dismissed Zionism during the hearing.
“I’m a Catholic, and Catholics don’t accept Zionism,” she asserted.
The President of the Catholic League, Bill Donahue, quickly called for her removal, articulating in a piece that she does not represent the Catholic community. He stated, “Prejean Boller is a former Miss California who converted to Catholicism. She does not oversee a Catholic organization, nor does she have the credentials to speak on behalf of the Church.”
He further clarified that many Catholics, like himself, may not identify as Zionists but still acknowledge Israel as the Jewish state. He expressed confusion over her choice to attend the hearing with a Palestinian flag pin.
Sean Carney, the CEO of a pro-life organization, also commented, dismissing the notion that Catholics are anti-Semitic as “ridiculous.” He underlined that Catholicism acknowledges Jewish roots, and the idea of Catholics opposing Jews is a recent, unfounded narrative.
During the hearing, Prejean Boller had an intense exchange with Shabbos Kestenbaum, a former Harvard student known for suing the university over anti-Semitism claims. Inquiring about perceived accusations regarding Israel, she challenged, “What are you accusing me of? Did you do that in Gaza?”
She also defended Candace Owens after a question arose about Owens’ alleged anti-Semitic remarks. Prejean Boller responded by stating she did not view her comments that way.
Former Trump administration officials remarked that supporting Israel has always been a key agenda for the president. One noted, “Trump has consistently stood with the Jewish community and Israel, seeing it as morally essential and aligning with America’s interests.”
Another official highlighted Trump’s significant actions for the Jewish community, such as recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moving the U.S. embassy there. They praised his record for protecting religious freedoms for both Catholics and Jews.
Following her dismissal, there was a wave of reactions on social media condemning Prejean Boller’s actions at the hearing. One user pointed out that she was the only individual to mention Zionism during the event, suggesting she created a narrative that painted herself as a victim.
Jim Hanson, an editor-in-chief for a think tank, criticized her choices and remarks, stating it was disgraceful to wear a Palestinian flag at a religious freedom hearing.
Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz voiced sadness over her behavior, reflecting on the misconceptions surrounding Israel’s existence and Catholic sentiments towards the nation. He mentioned that the idea of Catholics hating Israel is a fabricated belief.
Patrick revealed that he personally decided to remove Prejean Boller, but she later argued on social media that only the president could warrant her removal, suggesting Patrick’s actions were misguided.
In a tweet, Prejean Boller declared her unwavering stance, saying, “I will never bow down to the state of Israel.” She characterized God’s love as contrary to violence and reiterated her commitment to her beliefs.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for further comments and also attempted to contact Prejean Boller for her perspective.
