Trump Religious Liberty Commission Urges Stronger Protections for Faith in Schools, Workplaces

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Worthy News) – The White House Religious Liberty Commission has issued a sweeping set of recommendations aimed at strengthening religious freedom in schools, workplaces, the military, health care and other public institutions, calling for clearer protections for Americans who face discrimination or pressure over expressions of faith.

President Donald Trump received the commission’s report Friday in the Oval Office, saying the effort comes as the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.

“America was founded by people of faith, and it was settled as a haven for religious freedom,” Trump said. “As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding, it is only appropriate that we work to strengthen this fundamental right.”

The commission’s report includes 12 recommendations designed to “strengthen religious liberty for all Americans,” according to the panel. Among them are calls for the Justice Department to issue new guidance on the Establishment Clause, the creation of “Know Your Rights” posters for students, parents, teachers and workers, and new hotlines and online portals for reporting alleged religious liberty violations.

The commission also urged stronger protections for service members, health care workers, educators, coaches and private-sector employees seeking religious accommodations.

Other recommendations include repealing the Johnson Amendment, which restricts churches and other tax-exempt organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates, nominating federal judges with a record of defending religious liberty, and expanding efforts to combat antisemitism.

Trump said his administration intends to promote the commission’s conclusions aggressively.

“We’re going to sell it,” Trump said. “We have some incredible recommendations.”

The commission was created by Trump in May 2025 and chaired by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, with former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson serving as co-chair. Other members include Phil McGraw, former Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik and Paula White-Cain, senior adviser to the White House faith office.

For supporters of the effort, the report marks another step toward restoring religious liberty as a central pillar of American public life. Critics, however, have argued that some proposals could reignite legal battles over the role of faith in government institutions.

Trump framed the commission’s work as part of what he called a national spiritual resurgence.

“We are going to bring religion back, even stronger,” he said. “Religion has made a tremendous resurgence in our country.”

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