Trump Administration Launches Task Force to Address Anti-Christian Bias - Faith & Freedom News

Washington, D.C., April 25, 2025 – A new task force within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) convened on Tuesday to tackle what the Trump administration has termed “anti-Christian bias” perpetrated by the federal government during President Joe Biden’s tenure. Established by Attorney General Pam Bondi under President Donald Trump’s executive order “Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias,” signed on February 6, 2025, the task force aims to identify and rectify perceived injustices against Christians.

“My Administration will not tolerate anti-Christian weaponization of government or unlawful conduct targeting Christians,” Trump’s order declared. It directs the task force to identify and rectify any “unlawful and improper conduct, policies, or practices that target Christians,” recommending corrective steps through executive or legislative action.

The executive order highlights the Trump administration’s dedication to safeguarding religious liberties. It declares, “My Administration will not tolerate anti-Christian weaponization of government or unlawful conduct targeting Christians,” and emphasizes enforcing laws that protect Americans’ rights to practice their faith freely. The order mandates a review of federal activities under the Biden administration to uncover and address any unlawful anti-Christian policies or practices.

First Hearing Features High-Profile Testimonies

At its inaugural meeting, the task force heard from three witnesses who described alleged targeting of Christians:

Michael Farris, former head of the Alliance Defending Freedom and elder at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Va., detailed an IRS investigation into his church over alleged Johnson Amendment violations by senior pastor Gary Hamrick.
Scott Hicks, Provost of Liberty University, recounted how both Liberty and Grand Canyon University faced large fines and regulatory scrutiny under the Biden administration.
Phil Mendes, a Navy SEAL, described his relief from duty after the Department of Defense denied his religious-based COVID-19 vaccine exemption.

The task force will review the actions of “all executive departments and agencies…over the previous Administration,” soliciting input from diverse groups to ensure “religious liberties of Americans” are protected.

Broad Interagency Collaboration

The executive order assigns at least 17 cabinet-level departments and agencies to the task force, including the Departments of State, Treasury, Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, and others. Reports are due at 120 days, one year, and upon the task force’s scheduled dissolution after two years.

Catalog of Alleged Anti-Christian Actions

Trump’s order cited numerous examples of perceived bias under Biden, such as:

Disproportionate prosecutions of pro-life activists under the FACE Act, while ignoring violent attacks on houses of worship.
An FBI memo labeling “radical-traditionalist” Catholics domestic-terrorism threats and recommending infiltration of churches for “threat mitigation.”
Department of Education enforcement actions against Christian campus groups.
EEOC efforts to impose gender-theory mandates on Christian employers.
HHS policies limiting faith-based foster-care agencies.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that Christian foreign-service officers faced discrimination over homeschooling, vaccine refusals, and LGBT-related policy objections abroad. Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender described financial surveillance and “debanking” of Christian nonprofits. Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley alleged that the previous administration’s advisors pushed “anti-Christian gender ideology” into schools and foster care.

Next Steps

The launch of this task force signals a bold step by the Trump administration to confront perceived anti-Christian bias within federal operations. Scheduled to produce reports at 120 days, one year, and upon its dissolution in two years (unless extended), the task force’s work could reshape religious liberty policies. Yet, its scope and implications continue to raise questions about balancing faith, fairness, and governance in a diverse nation.

The Family Research Council has petitioned the DOJ to discredit partisan sources like the Southern Poverty Law Center, whose “hate map” was cited in the FBI memo. The task force’s findings and recommendations will shape efforts to safeguard religious freedom and ensure “Christians…practice their faith in peace,” as mandated by the executive order.