A controversial choice? Former jihadists appointed by Trump’s Religious Freedom Commission | World News
There have been reports of appointing two people with previous extremist affiliation, including one who was trained in Pakistan in the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LASHKAR-E-TAIBA (LET), and one who had a previous extremist affiliation, is the focus of the controversial Trump appointment on the White House Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom.
Ismail Royer, a jihadist who had been sentenced to 13 years in prison for terrorism-related convictions, has been appointed to the Trump administration’s Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom.
Royer was indicted in 2003 for murdering aid to foreign terrorist organizations and engaged in jihadist activities, including support for Let and Al-Qaeda. He pleaded guilty in 2004 to terrorism-related weapons charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, serving 13 sentences before being released.
Roye’s horror connection and recovery
Royer admitted in a previous interview that he visited Pakistan’s Lashkar training institution in 2000 and subsequently urged other U.S.-based Muslims to join the organization in their religious obligations and support for Kashmiris.
“I like the people in Let,” Royer said in an interview with the Middle East Forum in 2023. “It feels more like tourism than serious training.’ Here, shoot, explore the mountains, and go home.”
Despite history, the Trump administration has advocated Royer’s entry, highlighting his recovery and interfaith activities. He is currently the director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team of the Institute for Religious Freedom, and he is committed to promoting peace and religious diversity.
“Since the transformation to Islam in 1992, Royer has studied under traditional Islamic scholars and has worked with nonprofits for more than a decade to promote interfaith harmony and religious freedom,” the White House said.
Another controversial option: Hamza Yusuf
Also appointed to the board is Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, co-founder of the Zaytuna Academy in California, also a well-known Islamic scholar known for his theological work. His appointment has been opposed by some right-wing critics, including Lara Loomer, a longtime supporter of President Trump, who accused Yusuf of allegiance with Islamic ideology, both of which have harmed the security interests of the United States.
Loomer called Royer’s appointment “crazy”, likening it to “reformed bank robbers are in charge of the Federal Reserve.”
Broader meaning and response
Some critics consider these appointments to be a major mistake, while others refer to Roye’s redemption and dedication to oppose extremism through religious participation as an example of domination.
Nevertheless, the disclosures raised questions about the review process and national security standards for the last administration’s advisory appointments and called on current White House officials to disclose it publicly.
The Biden administration has not yet maintained contact with the Federal Commission or the Advisory Committee for any of these appointments.
