Washington, D.C. — February 10, 2025
President Trump has signed an executive order establishing a federal task force aimed at addressing anti-Christian bias in government and ensuring religious liberty protections. The order, titled Protecting Religious Freedoms and Ending Anti-Christian Weaponization of Government, was issued under the President’s authority and directs federal agencies to review policies and enforcement actions related to religious freedom.
According to the order, the initiative seeks to assess and rectify any instances where government policies or enforcement actions may have targeted Christian individuals or organizations. The task force will be chaired by the Attorney General and will include representatives from multiple federal agencies, including the Departments of Justice, State, Treasury, Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Homeland Security, among others.
The order states that the task force will review prior federal actions, identify policies or enforcement measures deemed inconsistent with religious liberty protections, and recommend corrective steps. It will also advise on potential legislative or executive actions to strengthen protections against religious discrimination.
The order references enforcement actions taken by the Department of Justice under the previous administration, particularly cases involving individuals arrested for demonstrating outside abortion clinics. The President also cited a 2023 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) memorandum that categorized certain Catholic groups as potential domestic threats, which was later retracted. Additionally, the order highlights an increase in incidents of vandalism and hostility toward churches and religious organizations in recent years.
The task force is required to submit an initial report within 120 days, followed by a one-year summary and a final report upon its dissolution. The executive order also mandates collaboration between federal agencies, faith-based organizations, and state and local governments to ensure that religious liberties are upheld in accordance with constitutional and statutory protections.
The order follows a series of actions by the administration aimed at addressing religious freedom concerns. The President previously issued pardons for several individuals convicted under federal law for protests outside abortion facilities. The administration has stated that these measures are intended to uphold constitutional guarantees of free religious exercise and prevent what it describes as government overreach in religious matters.
The task force’s establishment has drawn attention from various stakeholders, including religious organizations, civil rights groups, and legal experts. While some view the initiative as a necessary step to protect religious liberties, others have raised questions about its scope and potential implications for federal enforcement policies.
The executive order takes effect immediately, and federal agencies are expected to begin their reviews as outlined in the directive.
