President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday establishing a task force to investigate and address potential religious bias within the federal government. The announcement came during the National Prayer Breakfast, where the president highlighted concerns over the treatment of religious individuals under previous administrations.
During his address, Trump referenced the case of Paulette Harlow, a 75-year-old pro-life advocate who was convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The federal law, enacted in 1994, prohibits the use of force, threats, or obstruction to prevent individuals from accessing abortion clinics or places of worship. Harlow was sentenced to two years in prison for her participation in a protest outside a Washington, D.C., abortion clinic. The president criticized the application of the law in her case, stating that it had been “selectively weaponized against Christians.”
“Most of us would not have believed it possible that a grandmother with a severe medical condition, quite elderly woman, would be put in jail for praying here in America,” Trump said. He further alleged that the judge presiding over Harlow’s case had mocked her religious beliefs, a claim that has been central to criticism from religious liberty advocates.
Shortly after taking office, Trump pardoned Harlow and other pro-life activists who had been prosecuted under the FACE Act. Following her release, Harlow became a public figure in discussions about religious freedom, particularly regarding the role of federal agencies in enforcing laws related to religious expression.
In his speech, the president outlined the purpose of the newly established task force, stating that it would “eradicate anti-Christian bias” within the federal government. The executive order, signed later that day, directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the task force and review federal policies that may affect religious liberty. The White House issued a statement emphasizing that the initiative aims to “protect the religious freedoms of Americans and end the anti-Christian weaponization of government.”
According to the executive order, the previous administration had engaged in what it described as “an egregious pattern of targeting peaceful Christians while ignoring violent, anti-Christian offenses.” As evidence, the White House cited instances in which federal agencies allegedly pursued pro-life protesters while failing to take action against crimes committed against religious institutions. The document also referenced an FBI memo that surfaced in 2023, which suggested monitoring certain Catholic groups due to concerns over “radical traditionalist” elements within the church.
The newly created task force will include high-ranking officials from several federal departments, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Homeland Security. The task force is charged with reviewing the policies and enforcement actions of these agencies to determine whether religious discrimination has occurred.
Harlow’s case has been a focal point for religious freedom advocates, particularly regarding the application of the FACE Act. At her sentencing, the presiding judge reportedly referenced her health problems and stated that “maybe she would make an effort to remain alive because that is a tenet of [Harlow’s] religion.” The remark drew criticism from religious organizations and conservative legal groups, who argued that it demonstrated bias against people of faith.
Under the previous administration, concerns about religious discrimination extended beyond pro-life activists. Federal agencies were also accused of targeting parents who spoke out at school board meetings about classroom materials they deemed inappropriate. The Department of Justice’s handling of such cases, including the involvement of federal law enforcement in monitoring parent protests, was cited by critics as an example of government overreach.
The task force is expected to conduct a full review of federal policies and issue recommendations to ensure that religious freedom protections are upheld. While supporters of the executive order argue that it is necessary to address religious discrimination, critics contend that it could be used to challenge existing federal laws governing protests, access to healthcare facilities, and law enforcement oversight.
🚨 President Trump has signed an executive order to combat anti-Christian bias.
This is a big step in protecting religious freedom! Pam Bondi will be great in this position.
What are your thoughts on this new EO? ⬇️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/e7AYaqb3kp
— Tony Lane 🇺🇸 (@TonyLaneNV) February 6, 2025
The White House has not provided a timeline for when the task force’s findings will be released, but Trump reiterated that his administration remains committed to protecting religious freedoms. “We’re going to make sure that faith in this country is respected and that no American is targeted for their beliefs,” he stated.
