President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission has released a 224-page draft report proposing significant changes to the relationship between church and state in the U.S. The report, presented to Trump on Friday, includes 12 recommendations aimed at expanding religious liberty protections in education, healthcare, the military, and the workplace.
Core Recommendations
The commission, established in May 2025, suggests a shift away from the traditional separation of church and state, advocating for a more prominent role for religion in public life. The report commends recent Supreme Court rulings that have expanded religious expression rights, including accommodations for religious objections in school lessons.
Key Proposals
The report calls for stronger enforcement of religious liberty protections by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It also recommends supporting legislation like the Conscience Protection Act and the Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act to protect healthcare workers with religious objections. The commission held seven public hearings and heard testimony from over 100 witnesses representing diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Broader Implications
The recommendations align with Trump’s broader pledge to elevate religious liberty during his second term. The report argues that religion plays a crucial role in U.S. history and that protecting religious freedoms is essential for a pluralistic democracy. It also addresses rising antisemitism and violence against houses of worship.
Opposing Views
Critics argue that the report challenges long-held principles of church-state separation, potentially leading to conflicts in public institutions. Supporters, however, see it as a necessary step to protect religious freedoms in an increasingly secular society.
Next Steps
The report is expected to guide future administration policy, with the DOJ and HHS likely to take action on the recommendations. The commission’s findings reflect a yearlong review of alleged religious discrimination across various sectors.