Carrie Prejean Boller was removed from the White House Religious Liberty Commission after a contentious hearing this week focused on Israel’s war against Gaza. Prejean Boller, a former Miss California USA 2009 and Miss USA 2009 runner-up, faced calls for her resignation after wearing a Palestinian flag pin, defending right-wing podcaster Candace Owens, and urging other commissioners to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Dan Patrick, who chairs the commission, announced her removal following the hearing, Raw Story reported.
“No member of the Commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue. This is clearly, without question, what happened Monday in our hearing on antisemitism in America. This was my decision,” Patrick wrote in a post on X.
“The Commission has done outstanding work through five hearings. Two more are scheduled. The testimony has been both illuminating and heartbreaking,” Patrick continued.
Patrick also criticized the previous administration while praising President Donald Trump for establishing the commission.
“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 wrote.
“This spring, the Commission will deliver one of the most important reports in American history directly to the President,” he added.
“The President respects all faiths,” Patrick continued.
“He believes that all Americans have a right to receive the great inheritance given to them by our founding fathers in the First Amendment,” he wrote.
“I am grateful to President Trump for having the vision and boldness to create this Commission,” Patrick said.
“Fighting for the Word of God and religious freedom is what this nation was founded upon,” he added.
“Leading this fight will be one of his greatest legacies,” Patrick wrote.
Prejean Boller responded Tuesday on social media, claiming the commission was targeting her for her religious beliefs.
“Can you even imagine this?” she wrote.
“A Religious Liberty Commission prepared to fire a commissioner for her Catholic faith?” Prejean Boller added.
She said she converted to Catholicism in April.
“If that happens, it proves their mission was never religious liberty, but a Zionist agenda,” she wrote.
“I refuse to resign,” Prejean Boller added.