Carrie Prejean Boller Removed from White House Religious Liberty Commission Amid Antisemitism Controversy

Carrie Prejean Boller, a conservative activist and member of President Donald Trump's White House Religious Liberty Commission, was removed from her position following a contentious hearing on antisemitism held on February 9, 2026. The hearing, which aimed to address rising antisemitic incidents in the United States, became a focal point for Boller’s controversial remarks regarding Zionism and Israel. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the commission's chair, announced her removal, stating that Boller had attempted to "hijack" the hearing for her own political agenda.

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During the hearing, Boller engaged in heated exchanges with witnesses, including Jewish leaders and activists, questioning whether criticism of Israel or opposition to Zionism constituted antisemitism. She notably asked, “If I don’t support the political state of Israel, am I an antisemite?” and argued that her Catholic faith does not embrace Zionism. This line of questioning drew significant backlash from both the audience and fellow commissioners, who emphasized the Catholic Church's condemnation of antisemitism and its recognition of Israel's right to exist.

Anti-Zionism claim by Catholic panelist prompts sharp exchange at Religious Liberty CommissionTRT WorldCarrie Prejean Boller removed from Religious Liberty Commission after antisemitism rowWashington ExaminerTimes of Israel

Patrick's statement on social media emphasized that no member of the commission has the right to divert discussions for personal agendas, asserting, “This is clearly, without question, what happened Monday in our hearing on antisemitism in America.” Following her removal, Boller maintained her stance, declaring, “I will not be resigning from this commission,” and criticized the commission for allegedly prioritizing a pro-Israel agenda over diverse religious perspectives.

Jewish Insider

Boller's comments and actions during the hearing were met with widespread criticism from various groups, including Jewish organizations and fellow commissioners. Rabbi Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, highlighted that denying Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state is inherently antisemitic. Additionally, Shabbos Kestenbaum, an activist who testified at the hearing, expressed disapproval of Boller’s focus on Israel, stating that her approach detracted from the primary goal of addressing antisemitism in the U.S.

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While Boller argued that her views were rooted in her Catholic faith, critics pointed out that Catholic doctrine does not oppose Zionism or the existence of Israel. Simone Rizkallah, director of the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism, described Boller’s claims as “reckless” and historically uninformed, emphasizing that the Church condemns antisemitism and recognizes Israel's right to self-determination.

Anti-Zionism claim by Catholic panelist prompts sharp exchange at Religious Liberty CommissionTRT WorldTimes of IsraelCarrie Prejean Boller removed from Religious Liberty Commission after antisemitism row

The Religious Liberty Commission is set to continue its work, with two more hearings scheduled before delivering a report to President Trump. The commission has faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by interfaith groups alleging a lack of ideological diversity among its members. The outcome of these hearings and the commission's future direction remain to be seen as it navigates the complexities of religious liberty and antisemitism in America.

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• “Carrie Prejean Boller has been removed from President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission. No member of the Commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue. This is clearly, without question, what happened Monday in our hearing on antisemitism in America. This was my decision,” — Dan Patrick, Texas Lt. Gov.

Washington Examiner

• “I will not be resigning from this commission.” — Carrie Prejean Boller

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• “by denying the rights of Jews to have their own state while not saying the same for any other people, that is a double standard hypocrisy and antisemitism.” — Rabbi Ari Berman, Yeshiva University President

Anti-Zionism claim by Catholic panelist prompts sharp exchange at Religious Liberty Commission

• “Her claim that Catholics do not embrace Zionism is not merely mistaken — it is reckless, historically uninformed, and deeply misleading to both Catholics and the wider public.” — Simone Rizkallah, Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism

Anti-Zionism claim by Catholic panelist prompts sharp exchange at Religious Liberty Commission