In a bold stroke of authority granted by the U.S. Constitution, the President has enacted a directive aimed at rejuvenating the foundational tenets of religious liberty within the American landscape.
Section 1. The Purpose and Policy. This initiative underscores a commitment by the executive branch to staunchly uphold the comprehensive protections for religious freedom codified in Federal law. The vision of the Founding Fathers was clear: a nation where diverse religious perspectives contribute to a dynamic public discourse and where individuals and organizations can practice their faith without the shadow of governmental discrimination or hostility. The journey toward this ideal began with early settlers fleeing religious oppression in Europe, who sought refuge in a land that promised them the right to worship freely. The First Amendment, ratified in 1791, enshrined this principle as America’s premier freedom.
During my initial term, I issued Executive Order 13798 on May 4, 2017, titled “Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.” Following this, the Attorney General disseminated a memorandum to all executive agencies on October 6, 2017, affirming the protections for religious liberty. The Supreme Court has consistently supported the Founders’ vision, reinforcing that religious voices deserve equal representation in public dialogues.
However, in recent years, a range of Federal, State, and local policies have posed challenges to the cherished tradition of religious liberty in America. Certain policies have sought to undermine established conscience protections, restrict parental rights regarding religious education for their children, threaten funding for faith-based organizations, and exclude religious groups from governmental programs. Some detractors of religious liberty aim to erase religion from public life altogether, while others erroneously equate religious freedom with a violation of civil rights. This narrative overlooks the significant role religion has played in pivotal civil rights advancements, including the abolition of slavery and the creation of vital social, educational, and healthcare services.
As President Ronald Reagan wisely noted, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” It is imperative for Americans to reconnect with the rich history of our nation’s commitment to religious freedom to guard against contemporary threats. Consequently, the Federal Government will actively promote citizens’ pride in this foundational history, identify new challenges to religious liberty, enforce Federal laws that ensure full participation in a pluralistic democracy, and safeguard the free exercise of religion.
Sec. 2. Formation of the Religious Liberty Commission.
(a) The Religious Liberty Commission (Commission) is hereby established.
(b) The Commission will operate under the following guidelines:
(i) The Commission will consist of up to 14 members, appointed by the President, representing a spectrum of societal sectors, including the private sector, educational institutions, religious communities, and State representatives, ensuring a variety of perspectives on safeguarding religious liberty for all Americans. The President will appoint a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among the members. Additionally, the following ex officio members or designated senior officials will be included:
(A) the Attorney General;
(B) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and
(C) the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.
(ii) Appointed members will serve a term ending on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American Independence. Should the President opt to extend the Commission’s term, members may be reappointed for subsequent 2-year terms and may continue serving until a successor is appointed.
(iii) The Commission will compile a comprehensive report on the origins of religious liberty in America, its societal impact, current threats to this freedom, strategies to preserve and enhance protections, and initiatives to celebrate America’s peaceful religious pluralism. Topics for consideration will encompass First Amendment rights of religious leaders and institutions, attacks on places of worship, financial exclusions of religious entities, and the rights of individuals in various sectors, including education and healthcare, to express their faith without fear of retribution.
(iv) The Commission will advise the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council on policies related to religious liberty. Activities will include recommending actions to secure domestic religious liberty through executive or legislative means and identifying collaborative opportunities with the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom to promote religious liberty globally.
(v) Commission members will serve without compensation for their roles, though they may be reimbursed for travel expenses as permitted by law.
(vi) To assist the Commission, the President will designate:
(A) An Advisory Board of Religious Leaders, comprising no more than 15 members;
(B) An Advisory Board of Lay Leaders from religious congregations, also comprising up to 15 members; and
(C) An Advisory Board of Legal Experts, including the Attorney General or their designee, and up to 10 attorneys.
(vii) The Commission will dissolve on July 4, 2026, unless the President decides to extend its tenure.
(viii) The Department of Justice will provide necessary funding and technical support as authorized by law.
(ix) In compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Attorney General will oversee functions pertaining to the Commission and its advisory boards, following established guidelines.
Sec. 3. Severability. If any provision of this order, or its application to any agency, individual, or situation, is deemed invalid, the remaining components of this order shall remain unaffected.
Sec. 4. General Provisions.
(a) This order shall not undermine the authority vested in executive departments or agencies or affect the functions of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary or legislative matters.
(b) Implementation of this order will adhere to applicable laws and budgetary constraints.
(c) This order is not intended to create any enforceable rights or benefits for any party against the United States or its entities.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
May 1, 2025.
