Full Breakdown
Multifaith Coalition Sues Trump Administration Over Religious Liberty Commission
2/11/2026, 12:27:04 AM
Lawsuit Alleges Lack of Diversity and Transparency
On February 9, 2026, a coalition of multifaith organizations, including the Interfaith Alliance, Muslims for Progressive Values, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and Hindus for Human Rights, filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission. The suit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims that the commission violates the First Amendment and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) by failing to include diverse religious perspectives, particularly from minority faiths such as Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism.
The lawsuit argues that the commission, established by executive order in May 2025, predominantly represents a "Judeo-Christian" viewpoint, which does not reflect the religious diversity of the United States. Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president of the Interfaith Alliance, stated, “The government has no right to pick and choose which religious beliefs to promote and which to marginalize.” The plaintiffs contend that the commission's composition and operations are biased and lack transparency, as it has held meetings primarily at the Museum of the Bible, often concluding with Christian prayers.
Composition and Criticism of the Commission
The Religious Liberty Commission is composed of up to 14 members, primarily from Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish backgrounds, with minimal representation from other faiths. Critics, including Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, assert that the commission promotes a narrow set of conservative beliefs and fails to adequately address issues affecting religious minorities. The lawsuit highlights that the commission's members advocate for infusing religious values into government, which contradicts the principle of religious freedom for all.
The Department of Justice defended the commission, asserting that it provides opportunities for diverse voices to share their concerns regarding religious liberty. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers emphasized that Trump’s administration is committed to protecting religious freedom for all Americans.
Context of the Lawsuit and Commission's Activities
The lawsuit coincided with the commission's fifth hearing, which focused on antisemitism and religious freedom in the private sector. During this hearing, discussions included the rise of antisemitic incidents, particularly on college campuses, and the role of state and local officials in defending religious liberty. The Anti-Defamation League reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents, raising concerns about the implications for religious freedom in the U.S.
The commission's establishment followed the creation of the White House Faith Office, which replaced the previous administration's Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Critics argue that the commission's activities and its focus on a singular religious perspective undermine the foundational American values of religious pluralism and the separation of church and state.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the lawsuit, the Department of Justice reiterated its commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure fair and impartial justice for all Americans. The commission's defenders argue that it aims to celebrate religious pluralism and protect the rights of all faiths, despite the criticisms regarding its composition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The government has no right to pick and choose which religious beliefs to promote and which to marginalize,” — Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President of the Interfaith Alliance
- “The commission’s public meetings — most of which have been held at the Museum of the Bible and have been dominated by a very specific brand of Christian faith, Christian prayers, and predominantly Christian speakers — are a vivid example of this favoritism. The commission’s true purpose and operations can’t be squared with America’s constitutional promise of church-state separation.” — Rachel Laser, President of Americans United for Separation of Church and State
- “ "Unlike the previous administration, the Trump Administration is committed to ensuring all Americans can freely exercise their faith without fear of government censorship or retaliation," Rogers said.” — Taylor Rogers, White House Spokeswoman
The outcome of this lawsuit may have significant implications for the future of religious liberty and the representation of diverse faiths in governmental advisory bodies.
