Trump Commission Proposes Ending Separation of Church and State

The Religious Liberty Commission, a presidential advisory body, released a 224-page draft report on June 26, 2026, advocating for a shift toward an originalist interpretation of the First Amendment. The report proposes replacing the traditional concept of the separation of church and state with the creation of bridges between faith and government, arguing that the separation phrase is not in the Constitution and has been used to restrict religious expression.

Donald Trump promoted the findings at a Faith & Freedom Coalition event and during an Oval Office press conference, claiming his administration saved religion from a reign of persecution. Key recommendations in the report include repealing the Johnson Amendment to allow tax-exempt religious groups to endorse political candidates, increasing public funding for faith-based agencies, and expanding conscientious objections regarding vaccine mandates, pronoun usage, and school lessons. The commission also urges the Department of Justice to clarify the Establishment Clause and suggests establishing a Presidential Medal of Religious Liberty.

Opponents, including the Interfaith Alliance, have characterized the report as a wishlist of far-right religious ideas. The Interfaith Alliance is currently suing the commission, alleging a lack of ideological diversity and transparency. The draft report remains open for public comment until July 12, 2026.