President Trump signed an executive order directing the State Department to coordinate with the U.S. Agency for International Development to ensure at least $50 million per year is allocated for programs that advance international religious freedom.
The executive order, called “Advancing International Religious Freedom,” ensures that religious liberty is a core tenet of American diplomacy. Under this order, the president directs U.S. ambassadors and foreign service officers to promote, defend, and support religious freedom. The United States will prioritize religious freedom in foreign aid programs and use other economic tools to help advance these goals.
President Trump has proven to be a strong advocate for religious freedom and faith-based organizations. During his first year in office, he signed an executive order to uphold religious liberty and the right to engage in religious speech. The Trump administration has partnered with organizations around the world to aid persecuted religious minorities and has hosted multiple Religious Freedom Ministerial summits where government and religious leaders from around the world convened to fight religious persecution.
Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, “I commend President Trump for continuing to protect and advance religious freedom in the United States and worldwide. The president has shown a strong commitment to protecting and promoting religious freedom. It is critically important for those persecuted for their faith that the president sends this clear message that America stands with them. When America is silent, people suffer. Historic strides forward have been made in just a few short years to make religious liberty a priority.”
