Faith and freedom: Reviewing the Trump administration’s executive actions on religion 

Monday, January 12, 2026, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

On January 16, 1786, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Statute for Religious Freedom, which states that “all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities.” In commemoration of the statute, presidents now recognize January 16 as National Religious Freedom Day.  

Presidential administrations have often taken action across the executive branch to promote their understanding of this cherished value of religious freedom. During the past year, the Trump administration has done so through actions involving the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, Education, and Defense, among other agencies. 

On January 12, join the Governance Studies program at the Brookings Institution and the Wake Forest University School of Divinity for an event to discuss the Trump administration’s executive actions on religion. Scholars with diverse viewpoints will discuss these actions, including their legality, merits, and impact.