Carrie Prejean Boller, a former Miss California USA and social media influencer, was removed from President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission yesterday following a hearing on anti-Semitism. Boller stated she regrets nothing and intends to fight the decision.
Commission Hearing and Controversy
The Religious Liberty Commission held its fifth hearing in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to discuss anti-Jewish prejudice. During the hearing, Boller questioned participants about their views on anti-Zionism and defended commentators Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson against accusations of anti-Semitism.
Boller’s actions sparked reactions, including support from former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. She also shared posts from Candace Owens, who claimed those criticizing her and Carlson were motivated by “occult Baal worshipers.” Boller posted on X, using an inaccurate plural form of the Hebrew word for “non-Jew,” inviting followers to “give me a follow.”
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, chair of the commission, announced Boller’s removal, stating that “no member of the Commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue.”
Boller’s Response and Allegations
Boller challenged Patrick’s authority to remove her, asserting that only President Trump has that power. She alleged that Patrick and Paula White had been “colluding with the White House” to remove her, citing an earlier attempt to oust her in August following her social media posts about Gaza.
Boller stated that, as a Catholic, she does not believe she is required to “worship Israel.” She also reiterated that Zionism is incompatible with her Catholic faith, noting the Vatican’s recognition of the state of Palestine and call for a two-state solution.
Defense of Owens and Evasive Responses
During the hearing, Boller defended Candace Owens, stating she had “never heard one thing out of her mouth that I would say is anti-Semitic.” When presented with Owens’s praise of General Ulysses S. Grant’s 1862 decision to expel Jews from his military district, Boller said she would not “get involved in any of that.”
Boller also declined to comment on Owens’s claim that Jewish people were responsible for the African slave trade, stating she hadn’t “heard the full context.” She refused to engage with further questions about Owens’s statements and ended the conversation.
Future Actions
Boller stated she plans to attend the Religious Liberty Commission’s next meeting, arguing that only President Trump can officially remove her. She wants “the president to admit: Is he ‘America First’ or ‘Israel First’?”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Carrie Prejean Boller’s removal from the Religious Liberty Commission?
Boller was removed after a hearing on antisemitism where she repeatedly questioned participants about anti-Zionism and defended Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson against accusations of antisemitism.
Who announced Carrie Prejean Boller’s removal?
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, the chair of the Religious Liberty Commission, announced Boller’s removal.
What is Carrie Prejean Boller’s position on Zionism?
Boller stated that Zionism is not compatible with her Catholic faith and that she is not required to “worship Israel.”
What role will differing interpretations of religious liberty play in the future of the Commission?
