Sameerah Munshi Resigns from Trump's Religious Liberty Commission

Mar 16, 2026, 2:23 AM

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Sameerah Munshi, the sole Muslim woman serving on US President Donald Trump's Religious Liberty Commission, has announced her resignation, citing "injustice and atrocities" perpetrated by the administration as her primary motivation.

Munshi's resignation comes amid heightened tensions surrounding US military actions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Israel and Iran. In her resignation letter, she expressed deep discontent over the administration's handling of religious freedom, particularly for those who criticize US policy in relation to Palestine.

Her decision to step down is also a protest against the recent removal of Carrie Prejean-Boller, a Catholic commissioner who was dismissed after speaking out against the genocide in Gaza and challenging the compatibility of Catholicism and Zionism. Prejean-Boller's firing followed a controversial exchange during a commission meeting, where she voiced her dissent on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a post shared on social media, Munshi stated that her resignation was not due to fear or intimidation but rather a refusal to be associated with what she perceives as injustices within the commission. She described the environment as increasingly hostile, particularly towards Muslims, and noted that her own experience of isolation began after she testified about the rights to protest against Israel's actions.

"My name is Sameerah Munshi. I am a Presidential appointee serving as an advisor to the White House Religious Liberty Commission. Today, I am resigning over the injustice and atrocities of this administration at home and abroad," her statement read.

Munshi's departure highlights the lack of representation for Muslims in key advisory roles within the commission. Despite her initial hopes of being a "voice of reason," she has since felt sidelined and marginalized. She accused other members of the commission of mocking her faith and disregarding the perspectives of the Muslim community.

Furthermore, Munshi condemned the US military actions in Iran, labeling them as an unlawful war that lacked clear constitutional or congressional authorization. She argued that taxpayer dollars are being used to fund violence against innocent civilians in both Palestine and Iran.

The ongoing conflict has drawn attention to the broader implications of US foreign policy and its impact on religious freedoms, particularly for marginalized communities. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have begun investigating potential violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act by the Religious Liberty Commission, including issues related to representation and transparency.

As the only Muslim woman on the commission, Munshi's resignation is a significant moment, underscoring the challenges faced by religious minorities in political spaces dominated by particular agendas. Her decision serves as a call to action for greater inclusivity and respect for diverse voices within discussions of religious liberty in America.

With her resignation, Munshi hopes to shine a light on the urgent need for justice, freedom of expression, and the protection of rights for all individuals, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

This incident not only reflects the complexities of religious liberty in the context of US politics but also raises critical questions about the treatment of dissenting voices within governmental advisory bodies. The repercussions of Munshi's resignation may resonate beyond the commission, prompting discussions about the intersection of religion, politics, and civil rights in contemporary America.

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