Former Miss California Dismissed from Trump's Religious Liberty Commission
Carrie Prejean Boller, a former Miss California, has been terminated from her position on the Justice Department's Religious Liberty Commission following contentious remarks she made about Israel during a hearing on anti-Semitism. The 38-year-old, married to ex-NFL quarterback Kyle Boller, published an open letter to former President Donald Trump on Thursday, accusing him of surrounding himself with 'heretics' who prioritize Israel over America.
Tense Exchanges at Anti-Semitism Hearing
Prejean Boller was accused of 'hijacking' a February 9 hearing that examined the rise of anti-Semitism. She engaged in heated debates with Jewish witnesses, including rabbis and students, who testified about abuse they endured after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 fatalities. During the session, she questioned whether labeling the Gaza conflict as 'genocide' should be considered anti-Semitic and asked if Catholics, who do not embrace Zionism, are inherently anti-Semites.
Prejean Boller defended her actions, stating, 'I did exactly what commissioners are supposed to do. I asked questions.' She argued that her inquiries were legitimate, focusing on whether Israel is beyond criticism. The hearing also featured a clash with Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, who criticized commentators like Candace Owens for their rhetoric on Gaza.
Open Letter to Trump and Accusations of Betrayal
In her letter, Prejean Boller reminded Trump of his past support when she faced backlash at the 2009 Miss USA pageant for stating marriage should be between a man and a woman. Trump, who owned the pageant at the time, defended her, allowing her to retain her crown. 'I have not changed one bit since the day you stood beside me in 2009. That is why it is so shocking to now be removed from a Religious Liberty Commission for doing the very same thing you once defended,' she wrote.
She accused Trump's evangelical spiritual adviser, Paula White, of orchestrating a 'witch hunt' against her, alleging attempts to silence her social media posts about Israel and Gaza. Prejean Boller expressed disillusionment, claiming Trump has abandoned his non-interventionist principles. 'The MAGA I knew would never allow American troops to die for a foreign government,' she asserted, adding that American soldiers are being 'sacrificed at the altar of heresy and false prophesy.'
Background on the Religious Liberty Commission
The Religious Liberty Commission was established by Trump via executive order on May 1, 2025, and operates within the Justice Department. Its mandate includes advising the White House on religious liberty policy, identifying threats to domestic religious freedom, and recommending protective measures. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick serves as chair, with former Housing Secretary Dr. Ben Carson as vice chair. Patrick criticized Prejean Boller last month, stating she used the hearing for 'her own personal and political agenda.'
Prejean Boller emphasized her Christian faith as motivation for speaking out against the Gaza war, noting that her beliefs compel her to address human suffering funded by U.S. tax dollars. She concluded her letter by praying for Trump's salvation, hoping to see him in heaven one day. The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House and Boller for further comments, but responses are pending.
