US ATTORNEY GENERAL CONVENES FIRST ‘ANTI-CHRISTIAN BIAS’ TASK FORCE

Wed 23 April 2025:

The Trump administration has emphasised its effort to combat what it describes as “anti-Christian bias”, closely aligning the push to policies that seek to protect people who work to block abortions, curtail expressions of LGBTQ identity, and bolster religious symbols and practices in public spaces.

The executive order signed by Trump in February directed the task force to identify unlawful policies, practices or conduct by all executive departments and agencies, and recommend any additional presidential or legislative action.

Today’s inaugural meeting included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.

Writing for The Conversation website, three social psychologists noted earlier this month that research shows politicians’ claims of “anti-Christian” bias can often serve as a “signal of white solidarity”.

The task force was created through an executive order signed by Trump, who continues to position himself as a defender of conservative Christian values. The order comes despite Christians forming the religious majority in the United States —about two-thirds of the population—and enjoying significant political representation.

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Federal employees have now been instructed to report suspected bias against Christian beliefs, providing names, dates, and details. A memo from Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins asked staff to flag any informal practices they believe are hostile to Christian views. Similar instructions have gone out to other agencies, including the State Department.

Trump and his supporters argue that policies under prior administrations, like Biden’s, targeted Christians—citing examples such as prosecuting pro-life activists for blocking abortion clinics, a 2023 FBI memo suggesting surveillance of traditional Catholics, or designating Easter Sunday 2024 as “Transgender Day of Visibility.” They claim these reflect a broader secular or progressive agenda undermining Christian values in a majority-Christian nation (about two-thirds of Americans identify as Christian).

Trump’s religious policies centered on appealing to his conservative Christian base, especially white evangelicals, who strongly supported him. In February 2025, he signed an executive order creating a Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, to review federal agencies for anti-Christian policies and prosecute related violence or vandalism. He also established a White House Faith Office under Paula White-Cain to advise on faith-based grants and policies.

Critics argue these moves prioritize evangelical Christianity, risking church-state separation, and exaggerate bias claims, noting Christians hold significant cultural and political influence. Some see it as a political tool to energize his base rather than address widespread persecution, which data shows is rare compared to hate crimes against Jews or Muslims.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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