A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the composition and transparency of President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, ruling that the panel complied with legal requirements for diverse representation. The commission was created in May 2025 to produce a report on religious liberty in the United States by July 4, 2026.

The lawsuit, filed in February by a coalition of multifaith organizations—including Interfaith Alliance, Muslims for Progressive Values, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and Hindus for Human Rights—argued that the commission was predominantly composed of Christian and Jewish members and lacked religious and ideological diversity. The plaintiffs also contended that the administration’s reference to America as a “Judeo-Christian” nation underscored this imbalance. They cited the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), which mandates that advisory committees maintain a fair balance of viewpoints.

U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan, a Trump appointee, issued his ruling on July 27, stating that the commission’s membership was fairly balanced. He noted that the members came from various sectors, included both religious leaders and laypersons, and represented at least five different religions. The judge also found that the commissioners’ specific religious beliefs were not relevant to the panel’s overall function and that diverse Christian and Jewish perspectives addressed concerns about potential bias.

Regarding allegations tied to transparency, Judge Cronan rejected claims that the commission failed to comply with public record requirements, explaining that the law does not establish deadlines for the release of such materials.

The Trump administration described the lawsuit as “meritless” and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing religious liberty. In contrast, the plaintiff organizations expressed disappointment with the ruling and indicated they were considering further legal options.

This decision highlights ongoing debates about government involvement with religious matters and the extent to which minority faiths are represented in federal advisory bodies.