In a noteworthy development during the National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden, the President has officially enacted an Executive Order to form the Religious Liberty Commission. This commission is poised to explore and advocate for the intersection of faith and governmental policy. President Trump has appointed a diverse array of individuals to serve on this commission, each bringing unique perspectives and backgrounds.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (Chair)
Dan Patrick, who has held the position of Lt. Governor of Texas since 2014 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022, brings a wealth of experience from over four decades in media. His career includes roles as a television anchor and conservative talk show host, alongside success as a radio station owner. Notably, he has spearheaded legislative efforts to eliminate the teaching of critical race theory in public schools, dismantle DEI practices in universities, and reinforce religious sentiments within state symbols. Patrick is also known for his film, The Heart of Texas, which inspired him to establish a groundbreaking seminary program in Texas prisons—now the largest of its kind globally. Additionally, he authored The Second Most Important Book You Will Ever Read, urging readers to engage with the Bible.
Dr. Ben Carson (Vice Chair)
Dr. Ben Carson, who overcame a challenging upbringing to become a celebrated pediatric neurosurgeon, served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Trump. He is the founder of the American Cornerstone Institute and has recently published The Perilous Fight, a work advocating for the restoration of family foundations in American society.
Ryan T. Anderson
Dr. Ryan Anderson serves as the President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and has authored several books focused on religious liberty. With a bachelor’s degree from Princeton and a doctorate in political philosophy from Notre Dame, Anderson combines academic rigor with practical advocacy, also holding a fellowship at the University of Dallas.
Bishop Robert Barron
A prominent theologian and author, Bishop Robert Barron leads the Word on Fire ministry, a Catholic media nonprofit that engages millions through various media formats. Since 2023, he has been the Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, enhancing the dialogue around faith and culture.
Carrie Prejean Boller
Former Miss California USA and first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant, Carrie Prejean Boller has authored Still Standing: The Untold Story of My Fight Against Gossip, Hate, and Political Attacks, which chronicles her experiences amidst public scrutiny.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York and a key figure in American Catholicism, has previously led the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. His extensive experience in religious leadership includes significant contributions to pro-life initiatives and the promotion of religious liberty.
Pastor Franklin Graham
As president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, Pastor Franklin Graham is deeply involved in humanitarian efforts worldwide, providing disaster relief and medical aid to those in need.
Allyson Ho
Allyson Ho, a partner at Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher, is recognized as one of America’s leading appellate lawyers. Her impressive track record includes over 100 oral arguments in various courts, notably five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Dr. Phil McGraw
Best known as the host of Dr. Phil, Dr. Phil McGraw has a doctorate in psychology and is a bestselling author. His latest work, We’ve Got Issues: How You Can Stand Strong for America’s Soul and Sanity, calls for a return to core American values of hard work, independence, and faith.
Eric Metaxas
A prolific writer and speaker, Eric Metaxas has authored multiple bestselling books, including Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, which has gained enough acclaim to inspire a feature film. Metaxas has actively engaged in discussions about rising anti-Semitism and received the Canterbury Medal from the Becket Fund for Religious Freedom.
Kelly Shackelford
As the President and CEO of First Liberty Institute, Kelly Shackelford is a constitutional expert who has successfully argued numerous landmark religious liberty cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. His advocacy extends to congressional testimonies on pivotal religious freedom issues.
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik leads Congregation Shearith Israel, the oldest Jewish congregation in the U.S., and directs the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University. His scholarly work encompasses a range of topics, including Jewish theology and American faith, with his recent publication, Providence and Power: Ten Portraits in Jewish Statesmanship, highlighting influential Jewish leaders throughout history.
Pastor Paula White
Pastor Paula White stands as the founder and president of Paula White Ministries and the National Faith Advisory Board. She plays a pivotal role as a teaching pastor at StoryLife Church in Orlando and served as an advisor to President Trump on faith-related initiatives during his first term.
