Trump’s Religious Liberty Committee Hearing Sparks Controversy

During a recent hearing held by President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Committee, tensions arose concerning Christianity, anti-Semitism, and Zionism.

The public meeting took place at the Museum of the Bible, addressing issues of anti-Semitism and religious freedom in the private sector. However, things quickly became contentious as disagreements erupted among the panelists.

About ninety minutes into the session, former Miss USA and committee member Carrie Prejean Boller posed a provocative question to panelist Itsy Frankel, a UCLA law student who had previously sued the university. She asked whether criticizing the situation in Gaza could be perceived as anti-Semitic.

Boller had visibly displayed contrasting symbols; she wore an American flag on her lapel while appearing to have a Palestinian flag on her clothes. Before Frankel could respond, Boller firmly stated that the U.S. should not equate allegiance to a specific theology regarding Israel with legitimate speech.

In reply, Frankel referenced remarks made by Charlie Kirk, claiming that Jewish hatred could be described as “brain rot.” He also highlighted that some students had called for an intifada just hours after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Frankel insisted that Israel should not be subjected to double standards.

Boller then shifted to the topic of Zionism, reading a quote from a New York rabbi who suggested it might be anti-Semitic. She pressed Frankel about whether criticizing Zionism was itself anti-Semitic.

Frankel responded that one need not be a Zionist to defend their country, yet he acknowledged a belief that anti-Zionism equates to anti-Semitism.

Rabbi Ari Berman contributed to the discussion, asserting that while criticizing Israeli policy isn’t necessarily anti-Semitic, denying Israel’s existence while applying double standards to Christian and Muslim countries is indeed problematic.

Boller cautioned the panel about making Islamophobic comments, which led to more boos than applause from the audience. Berman reiterated that denying Jews their right to a state was hypocritical and outright anti-Semitic.

In a personal remark, Boller noted that Catholics might not accept Zionism, questioning if that label would make all Catholics anti-Semitic. Berman restated his view on double standards, which led to an interruption from a committee member who reminded the group that their focus should be on religious freedom rather than theological definitions.

Boller concluded by stating her Catholic perspective, expressing that she could not believe the modern state of Israel lacked significance in Biblical prophecy.

In the latter part of the hearing, Boller questioned Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon about the online censorship of anti-Semitism and whether he would support censoring New Testament references to Jews and Christians. This exchange triggered audience calls for Boller to exit, and she was escorted off with a warning.

Dillon clarified that he felt Boller misunderstood his viewpoints, advocating for engaging in dialogue over censorship in the context of anti-Semitism. He referred to threats made against Candace Owens related to her views on Israel, asserting that anti-Zionists often sought to intimidate others.

During the discussion, Dillon labeled Owens as a “prominent and vocal anti-Semite.” Boller, a daily listener of Owens, pushed back, insisting that Owens merely disagreed with Zionism, and that labeling her as anti-Semitic should cease.

Dillon countered by pointing to Owens’s rhetoric, claiming she interchanged terms like “Zionist” and “Jew.” Boller then raised the question of whether saying “Christ is King” could be considered anti-Semitic, to which Dillon affirmed the phrase’s Christian significance but noted that it had been misappropriated by some anti-Semitic right-wing factions.

Boller argued that scrutinizing the phrase’s intent might itself denote an anti-Christian stance.

Later, Boller reaffirmed her stance, stating she did not plan to resign from the commission and believed it should reflect a range of views beyond a strictly pro-Israel standpoint. The commission has faced lawsuits from multifaith groups who claim it lacks representation of religious minorities in its hearings.

The Religious Freedom Commission has not responded to requests for comment regarding these issues.