In a controversial move to support Christian federal employees, the Trump administration has directed staff at the US State Department to report any instances of anti-Christian bias, including anonymously. This initiative, revealed by Politico, stems from a recent executive order issued in February aimed at rooting out religious discrimination—specifically against Christians—in federal agencies.
Executive Order & Reporting Instructions
Signed by President Trump, the order requires all federal bodies to actively identify and address anti-Christian sentiment in the workplace. Following this directive, a cable sent under Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s name instructed all State Department employees to report such incidents.
Staff can submit reports through an anonymous form, with details such as names, dates, and locations of alleged bias incidents. The department has also created a special task force to review these submissions and prepare its findings during a meeting planned around April 22.
Critics Warn of Fear and Division
While the initiative is intended to protect religious freedoms, some State Department insiders are voicing serious concerns. They worry it could breed fear and mistrust among colleagues, with one official likening it to “something out of The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Critics argue that the order assumes an inherent anti-Christian culture within the department without sufficient evidence. A State Department notice also acknowledges the tension, warning that “targeting anyone for their religious beliefs is discriminatory and contrary to the Constitution and federal laws.”
Interfaith Alliance Raises Alarm
The Interfaith Alliance, a group advocating for religious freedom, has condemned the executive order. They suggest the policy could be misused to justify discrimination against marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ individuals and people of other faiths. While the move appears to defend Christian employees, the group claims it risks turning into a tool of exclusion rather than inclusion
