Trump's Religious Liberty Commission Ousts Member Over Antisemitism Dispute

Carrie Prejean Boller was removed from the federal panel after a heated hearing on defining antisemitism.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A member of the federal Religious Liberty Commission, Carrie Prejean Boller, has been ousted after a hearing this week that featured tense exchanges on the definition of antisemitism. Prejean Boller, a conservative activist, had defended commentator Candace Owens, who has been accused of sharing antisemitic conspiracy theories. The commission's chair, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, said Prejean Boller "hijacked" the hearing for her "personal and political agenda" and removed her from the panel.

Why it matters

The removal of Prejean Boller highlights the increasingly contentious debate over whether the political right should give a platform to commentators espousing antisemitic views. It also comes as the commission, created by former President Trump, faces a lawsuit from progressive religious groups alleging it fails to represent diverse views and religions.

The details

During the hearing, Prejean Boller challenged the idea that some people mask antisemitism in their criticism of Israel. She also questioned whether social media sites should be pressured to ban quotations of a Bible verse that attributes the death of Jesus to Jews. Prejean Boller, a former Miss California, has been politically active in supporting Trump and criticizing COVID-19 restrictions.

  • The hearing took place on Monday, February 13, 2026.
  • Prejean Boller was ousted from the commission on Wednesday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Carrie Prejean Boller

A member of the federal Religious Liberty Commission who was ousted after a hearing on the definition of antisemitism. Prejean Boller is a conservative activist and former Miss California.

Dan Patrick

The chair of the Religious Liberty Commission and the Texas lieutenant governor, who made the decision to remove Prejean Boller from the panel.

Candace Owens

A prominent conservative commentator who has been accused of sharing antisemitic conspiracy theories, and whom Prejean Boller defended.

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 created 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, Chair of the Religious Liberty Commission (recentlyheard.com)

“You should look up more of her statements,”

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

“reflect a Zionist political agenda.”

— Carrie Prejean Boller (recentlyheard.com)

What’s next

The Religious Liberty Commission is preparing to deliver a report to former President Trump this spring.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of conservative voices that have been accused of promoting antisemitism, and the challenges in defining and addressing antisemitism within the political sphere.