Catholics, conservatives cheer ouster of ex-Miss California from WH religious panel after controversy
The Trump administration has removed Carrie Prejean Boller, former Miss California USA, from the White House Religious Liberty Commission following her remarks at a hearing on antisemitism that officials say diverted the discussion toward her personal political views. The move drew support from religious leaders and conservative commentators.
“Carrie Prejean was removed from the Religious Liberty Commission, and thank God,” a former Trump White House official told Fox News Digital. “These commissions exist to advance the President’s agenda, not as a platform for personal attacks on the Jewish community.”
Prejean Boller was ousted after the commission’s Monday hearing, held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, which focused on combating antisemitism and protecting religious freedom. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, chair of the commission, said she attempted to “hijack” the session to promote her own agenda.
Prejean Boller, who won the Miss California USA title in 2009 and later lost her crown over alleged contract violations, gained national attention during her pageant for speaking out against legalizing gay marriage. At the time, President Donald Trump, then owner of the Miss Universe Organization, publicly defended her.
President Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission in May via executive order, directing the Department of Justice to support a body focused on “Federal laws that protect all citizens’ full participation in a pluralistic democracy, and protect the free exercise of religion.”
During Monday’s hearing, Prejean Boller wore a Palestinian flag pin and referenced her Catholic faith, which she adopted in April after converting from evangelical Christianity, while criticizing Zionism.
“I am a Catholic, and Catholics don’t embrace Zionism,” she said during the hearing.
The comments drew immediate criticism. Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, called for her removal, emphasizing that her statements did not represent the Catholic community. “She does not run a Catholic organization, has no Catholic credentials, and represents no one but herself,” Donohue wrote. “For her to say, without qualification, that ‘Catholics do not embrace Zionism’ is presumptuous and arrogant.”
Shawn Carney, president of the pro-life group 40 Days for Life, called her claim that Catholics are opposed to Jews “absurd,” noting the historical and theological connections between Catholicism and Judaism. Carney also highlighted President Trump’s record on religious liberty, saying no modern president has done more to protect religious rights for both Catholics and Jews.
Prejean Boller’s remarks sparked tense exchanges during the hearing, including a confrontation with Shabbos Kestenbaum, a former Harvard student who sued the university over antisemitism. She also defended commentator Candace Owens when questioned about antisemitism allegations.
A former Trump White House official reiterated that support for Israel has been a longstanding priority for President Trump, citing his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Abraham Accords, and other measures that strengthened U.S.-Israel relations.
Conservatives and social media users widely criticized Prejean Boller’s conduct. Jim Hanson, president of WorldStrat and editor of the Middle East Forum, called wearing a Palestinian flag to a hearing on religious liberty “disgraceful.” Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz echoed the sentiment, saying her remarks misrepresent Catholic views on Israel.
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