NEWS
Presidential Adviser Sameerah Munshi Resigns from White House Religious Liberty Commission, Cites ‘Injustice and Atrocities’ by Administration
President Donald Trump’s appointee serving on the White House Religious Liberty Commission, Sameerah Munshi, has resigned from her position, citing what she described as “injustice and atrocities” committed by the current administration both domestically and internationally.
Munshi, who served as an adviser to the commission, announced her resignation in a strongly worded statement in which she criticized the federal government’s actions on religious freedom issues and its foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran and Palestine.
In her statement, Munshi said she was stepping down in protest over two developments she described as deeply troubling. These include the removal of fellow commissioner, Carrie Prejean Boller and what she characterized as the United States government’s “illegal war” against the country of Iran.
According to Munshi, the dismissal of Boller whom she said was removed because of her “deeply held beliefs about Palestine,” represented a direct violation of the principles of religious liberty and freedom of expression that the commission was created to defend.
Munshi also criticized the administration of President Donald Trump, alleging that recent military actions against Iran were undertaken without clear constitutional or congressional authorization.
Reflecting on her time with the commission, Munshi said she had accepted the appointment last year despite reservations, hoping to serve as “a voice of reason” and advocate for religious freedom for marginalized communities.
She alleged that some members of the commission mocked her faith and treated her community with hostility, particularly American Muslims.
Munshi said she had hoped to defend the rights of people of faith, including Muslims in the United States, whom she claimed often face marginalization and hostile rhetoric within political discourse.
“My family, both Christian and Muslim, came to America fleeing religious discrimination and persecution,” she said, adding that their experiences shaped her commitment to religious liberty and her belief that the United States should remain a safe haven for people of all religions.
Munshi argued that individuals in the United States are increasingly facing consequences for expressing religious or moral views related to the situation in Palestine.
She cited the removal of Boller as an example, describing it as retaliation against dissenting views grounded in religious beliefs.
“If we are not free in America to abide by our religious beliefs and hold fast to them despite others’ disagreement, then in what country are we free to do so?” Munshi asked in her statement.
In addition to concerns about religious freedom, Munshi criticized U.S. foreign policy, particularly military actions involving Iran.
She accused the federal government of engaging in unlawful violence against civilians and children and argued that such actions lacked public support among Americans.
Munshi also expressed strong opposition to U.S. involvement in conflicts affecting Palestinians and Iranians, stating that American taxpayers were funding violence they do not support.
Munshi emphasized that her resignation was voluntary and not the result of intimidation.
“I want to be very clear: I am not resigning out of fear or intimidation from anyone affiliated with the Commission, the government, or any interest group,” she said.
Instead, she stated that her decision was based on what she described as firsthand observations of injustice within the commission and a broader dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies.
Munshi concluded her statement by saying she felt morally compelled to step away from the position, adding that she ultimately answers to God for her actions and decisions.
Her resignation comes amid ongoing national debates over religious freedom, free speech, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. As of the time of reporting, officials from the White House and the Religious Liberty Commission had not publicly responded to her resignation statement.