US Religious Liberty Commission member removed for questioning if Israel criticism is antisemitism

ANKARA

A member of the Religious Liberty Commission established by US President Donald Trump was removed from her position after questioning whether criticism of Israel and participation in anti-war protests against the conflict in Gaza should be classified as antisemitism.

Carrie Prejean Boller, a conservative activist, was ousted following her remarks and heated discussions during a session focused on antisemitism held in Washington on Feb. 9, 2026.

The hearing took place at the Museum of the Bible, where Boller stated that her Catholic faith leads her to reject Zionism.

Boller spoke to TYT, saying she felt freer than ever, liberated from constraints and empowered in her independence.

She refused to equate criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza with antisemitism and resisted what she described as political pressures to conform on the issue.

Boller was removed on Feb. 11, 2026, with commission citing that she had used the session to advance her personal or political agenda. In response, Boller objected, arguing that only US President Donald Trump had the authority to remove her.

The commission, created by Trump in 2025, has faced recent criticism and a lawsuit filed on Feb. 9, 2026, by a coalition of multifaith groups including Interfaith Alliance, Muslims for Progressive Values, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and Hindus for Human Rights alleging it fails to represent diverse religious perspectives and is dominated by conservative Christians.

*Writing by Selcuk Uysal