Trump's Religious Liberty Commission Pushes to Erase Church-State Separation
A federal commission set up by President Trump is pushing for major changes to religious freedoms in the US. The Religious Liberty Commission wants more prayer in schools, fewer vaccine rules for Amish families, and exemptions from workplace laws for faith groups. Critics claim the group’s proposals break long-standing rules on church-state separation. The commission, led by chair Dan Patrick, has repeatedly rejected the idea of separating church and state. Patrick called the principle 'a lie' and proposed a federal hotline with a recorded message declaring 'There is no separation of church and state'. Trump himself echoed these views at a 2025 prayer event, dismissing the concept by saying, 'Let’s forget about that for one time'.
One commissioner suggested awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to a baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. Another urged the Department of Justice to back Amish parents fighting vaccine mandates and Catholic nuns opposing gender identity policies.
The group also wants more federal money for religious organisations and exemptions from healthcare and labour laws. Opponents argue the commission lacks diverse religious and political voices. They warn its recommendations could undermine constitutional protections. The commission’s proposals would reshape how religion interacts with public life. If adopted, they could lead to more religious symbols in schools, legal support for faith-based objections, and fewer restrictions on government funding for religious groups. Legal experts say the moves may face challenges over their compliance with federal law.
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