Attorney General Pamela Bondi convened the first meeting of the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias at the U.S. Department of Justice. The task force was established by President Trump through Executive Order 14202 to address perceived biases against Christian Americans. The meeting included testimonies from individuals who claimed to have faced discrimination under the Biden Administration due to their Christian beliefs.
Michael Farris, representing Cornerstone Church, spoke about the IRS investigation into the church for alleged violations of the Johnson Amendment. Liberty University's Dr. Scott Hicks described fines imposed on Christian universities for their worldview, while former Navy Seal Phil Mendes discussed his discharge related to vaccine exemptions.
Attorney General Bondi accused the Biden Administration's Department of Justice of targeting Christians: “As shown by our victims’ stories today, Biden’s Department of Justice abused and targeted peaceful Christians while ignoring violent, anti-Christian offenses,” she said.
Other task force members shared instances of perceived bias. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted an anti-Catholic memo from FBI Richmond. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about alleged discrimination against Christian Foreign Service Officers and opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of Health and Human Services noted challenges faced by Christian foster parents and hospitals.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon discussed the suspension of Oregon educators for opposing gender identity policies, and Treasury's Michael Faulkender spoke about financial discrimination against Christian groups. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins mentioned efforts to stop punitive actions against a VA Chaplain.
The meeting included various other officials and nominees involved in addressing these issues within their respective agencies. The task force's establishment reflects ongoing concerns about religious freedom and potential biases within government operations.