Last week, the Trump administration further blurred the lines between church and state by signing an Executive Order establishing the ‘Religious Liberty Commission.’

Just days later, on May 3, in what was likely supposed to be a comical post, Trump posted a photo of himself as Pope.

Funny?

Not particularly, especially given Trump’s remarks during a speech at the White House celebrating the National Day of Prayer, where he said,” They said separation of church and state, they told me. I said, let’s forget about that for one time. We said, really? Separation? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I’m not sure.”

Additionally, the marching orders provided to the new Commission indicate where this Administration is headed.

The Commission, which will be comprised of hand-selected appointees by the President, has been tasked with producing a “comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America, strategies to increase awareness of and celebrate America’s peaceful religious pluralism, current threats to religious liberty, and strategies to preserve and enhance protections for future generations.”

Key focus areas will be central to the commission’s work, including parental rights in religious education, school choice, conscience protections, attacks on houses of worship, free speech for religious entities, and institutional autonomy.

While the Administration purports to ‘celebrate religious pluralism,’ it is not without note that the Fact Sheet put out by the White House only refers to two religions – Judaism and Christianity.

Specifically noting the actions taken by President Trump since resuming office in January, the White House referred to the steps the administration had taken: “Marshal[ed] all Federal resources to combat the explosion of anti-Semitism on our campuses and in our streets since October 7, 2023” and created “the ‘Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias’s at the Department of Justice to end the anti-Christian weaponization of government and the unlawful targeting of Christians.”

While both issues are valid concerns for those religious groups, they hardly represent America’s diverse spiritual practices.

What about the multitude of other religions?

Are they also not subjected to discrimination and bias at the Federal level?

What safeguards is the Administration also putting in place for Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus, and all the other marginalized religious denominations?

If the Administration truly wanted to protect religious freedom for all, its language and actions would be far more inclusive.

Ultimately, the move is meant to shore up Trump’s religious base with a token move that is more exclusive than inclusive.

Perhaps the Administration would be better served by keeping religion separate from the state’s mandate.