Trump's Religious Liberty Commission Member Ousted Over Antisemitism Dispute

Carrie Prejean Boller removed from commission by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick after tense hearing on definition of antisemitism

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Carrie Prejean Boller, a member of the federal Religious Liberty Commission established by former President Donald Trump, was removed from the commission by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick after a hearing that featured heated exchanges over the definition of antisemitism. Prejean Boller had defended conservative commentator Candace Owens, who has been accused of sharing antisemitic conspiracy theories, and pushed back on the idea that criticism of Israel can be considered antisemitic.

Why it matters

The removal of Prejean Boller highlights the ongoing debate within the conservative movement over how to address antisemitism, with some arguing that criticism of Israel should not be conflated with antisemitism. The case also underscores the partisan nature of the Religious Liberty Commission, which has been accused of representing a narrow, Christian nationalist perspective.

The details

During the hearing, Prejean Boller defended Owens, denying that she had ever said anything antisemitic, and quoted a Bible verse that attributed the death of Jesus to Jews. She also pushed back on the idea that some people mask antisemitism in their criticism of Israel. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the chair of the commission, said Prejean Boller had "hijacked" the hearing for her "personal and political agenda" and removed her from the commission, saying only President Trump had the authority to do so. Prejean Boller challenged Patrick's authority to remove her.

  • The hearing took place on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Prejean Boller was removed from the commission on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Carrie Prejean Boller

A former model turned conservative activist who was a member of the federal Religious Liberty Commission established by former President Donald Trump.

Dan Patrick

The Texas Lieutenant Governor who is the chair of the Religious Liberty Commission and who removed Prejean Boller from the commission.

Candace Owens

A conservative commentator who has been accused of sharing antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Seth Dillon

The CEO of the conservative satirical site The Babylon Bee, who testified that conservatives need to push back against a growing antisemitic movement on the right.

Donald Trump

The former President who established the Religious Liberty Commission.

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What they’re saying

“No member of the commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue. This is clearly, without question, what happened Monday in our hearing on antisemitism in America. This was my decision.”

— Dan Patrick, Texas Lieutenant Governor and Chair of the Religious Liberty Commission (nbcnews.com)

“You should look up more of her statements,”

— Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The Religious Liberty Commission is preparing to deliver a report to former President Trump this spring, and the lawsuit filed by various faith groups challenging the makeup of the commission is ongoing in U.S. District Court in New York.

The takeaway

The removal of Carrie Prejean Boller from the Religious Liberty Commission highlights the ongoing tensions within the conservative movement over how to address antisemitism, with some arguing that criticism of Israel should not be conflated with antisemitism. The case also underscores the partisan nature of the commission and the legal challenges it faces over its lack of religious diversity.