The White House has published a list of 250 achievements it says demonstrate President Donald Trump’s commitment to faith, religious freedom and pro-life policies.
The document, released on Thursday to mark the United States’ 250th birthday this year, describes Trump as the “most pro-faith, pro-life, and pro-religious liberty president in American history”.
The White House highlights the establishment of a White House Faith Office, the Religious Liberty Commission, and a task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias, as key parts of Trump's approach to religious freedom.
The administration also points to measures intended to protect freedom of conscience, support faith-based organisations and defend religious expression in public institutions.
Among the initiatives listed are:
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Guidance on religious expression and prayer in schools.
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Measures intended to protect healthcare workers who object to certain procedures on religious or conscience grounds.
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Support for faith-based organisations participating in government-funded programmes.
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Policies aimed at protecting religious foster parents and expanding school choice.
However, the administration's approach has also attracted criticism.
Some religious freedom advocates and civil liberties organisations argue that aspects of Trump's religious liberty agenda could weaken the separation between Church and State and give Christianity a privileged position in public life.
In July, Freedom From Religion Foundation warned that the proposals in Religious Liberty Commission's draft report "would undermine one of the Constitution’s most fundamental protections against uniting religion and government".
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also drawn intense scrutiny this year after being accused of promoting Christian nationalism in the country's military.
Several US military chaplains alleged that Hegseth's personal interpretation of Christianity had become a requirement to progress in the military ranks. The Pentagon press secretary denied allegations of spiritual coercion.
The White House maintains that its policies are intended to protect religious freedom for Americans of all faiths.
The full list, titled 250 Wins for People of Faith, is available here