President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 6 to establish a task force aimed at "eradicating anti-Christian bias" within the U.S. federal government. The announcement was made during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, where he emphasized: "Without religious freedom, we do not have a free country—we may not even have a nation at all."
Structure and Objectives of the Task Force
Led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, the task force includes representatives from 15 federal agencies—including the Departments of State, Treasury, and Defense—with the following mandates:
- Review policies to identify and eliminate anti-Christian bias.
- Collaborate with religious organizations to propose measures protecting freedom of belief.
- Prosecute acts of violence and vandalism targeting Christian communities.
In his speech, Trump criticized previous administrations (under Presidents Biden and Obama) for "abusing" the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE Act) to detain peaceful anti-abortion (pro-life) protesters. He also referenced the FBI’s surveillance of traditional Catholic groups and controversies involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) targeting conservative organizations.
Paving the Way for Faith: Pardons and Reforms
- Pardoned 23 pro-life activists convicted under the Biden administration, including Paulette Harlow (75), who served two years for praying outside an abortion clinic.
- Established the White House Faith Office, overseen by Pastor Paula White.
- Launched the Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty to uphold freedom of belief—described by Trump as "the most fundamental right."
Terminology & Context Explanations:
- FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances): U.S. law prohibiting obstruction of healthcare facilities, often applied to anti-abortion protesters.
- Pro-life: A movement opposing abortion and advocating for fetal rights.
- IRS (Internal Revenue Service): U.S. federal tax agency criticized for auditing conservative groups.