Carrie Prejean Boller was removed from the White House Religious Liberty Commission after sparking a “contentious” hearing this week over Israel's war against Gaza.
The former Miss California USA 2009 and a Miss USA 2009 runner-up, faced calls for her resignation after wearing a Palestinian flag pin, defending right-wing podcaster Candace Owens and calling other commissions to condemn Israel's actions against Gaza, and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who chairs the commission, announced her removal.
"No member of the Commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue," Patrick announced on X. "This is clearly, without question, what happened Monday in our hearing on antisemitism in America. This was my decision. The Commission has done outstanding work through five hearings. Two more are scheduled. The testimony has been both illuminating and heartbreaking."
"Under the Biden Administration, Americans of all faiths had their religious liberty not only stolen from them but were often punished for standing up for their faith, in education, the military, the private sector, and even the ministry," Patrick added. "This spring, the Commission will deliver one of the most important reports in American history directly to the President. The President respects all faiths. He believes that all Americans have a right to receive the great inheritance given to them by our founding fathers in the First Amendment. I am grateful to President Trump for having the vision and boldness to create this Commission. Fighting for the Word of God and religious freedom is what this nation was founded upon. Leading this fight will be one of his greatest legacies."
Prejean Boller defended herself Tuesday on social media, saying the commission was threatening to remove her over her Catholic faith.
“Can you even imagine this? A Religious Liberty Commission prepared to fire a commissioner for her Catholic faith?” wrote Prejean Boller, who converted to Catholicism in April. “If that happens, it proves their mission was never religious liberty, but a Zionist agenda. I refuse to resign.”