Ex-Miss California Removed from White House Religious Council After Hearing on Antisemitism

February 15, 2026
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A former Miss California beauty queen just got the boot from the Trump administration’s Religious Liberty Commission, and it happened right in the middle of a high-stakes hearing on antisemitism at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. Meet Crystal Bassette (née McKellar), the 2007 Miss California USA titleholder who’s been advocating for faith-based freedoms under the incoming Trump team. Sources say she was abruptly removed on Monday amid the proceedings, sparking whispers of political maneuvering or deeper ideological clashes. Bassette, a vocal Christian conservative, has long championed religious protections that dovetail with Second Amendment rights—think sanctuary churches shielding congregants from gun confiscation or faith leaders pushing back against ATF overreach on private sales. Digging deeper, this ouster isn't just tabloid drama; it's a flashing red light for the 2A community watching the religious liberty landscape. Bassette's platform has intersected pro-gun advocacy before, notably supporting ministries that frame self-defense as a biblical mandate (Proverbs 25:26, anyone?). With antisemitism hearings spotlighting rising threats—riots at synagogues, campus mobs chanting globalize the intifada—her removal raises eyebrows: Was she too outspoken on linking faith freedoms to armed self-protection against such violence? The Religious Liberty Commission, tasked with shielding worshippers from federal encroachments, could now tilt toward softer stances, potentially weakening defenses for pro-2A pastors facing IRS scrutiny or local bans on concealed carry in pews. Trump's orbit loves bold moves, but sidelining a beauty queen warrior like Bassette risks alienating the grassroots faithful who see AR-15s as modern swords of the Spirit. Implications for gun owners? Keep eyes peeled—this could signal fractures in the pro-liberty coalition before inauguration. If religious councils soften on self-defense amid escalating antisemitic (and anti-Christian) attacks, expect ripple effects: fewer pulpits preaching armed vigilance, more vulnerability for synagogues and churches that 2A supporters arm to protect. Bassette's fans are already rallying online, framing it as DC deep-state sabotage. Pro-2A faithful, this is your cue to amplify voices merging Exodus with the Heller decision—because when beauty meets bullets and belief, the real fight for freedom gets fierce. Stay vigilant; the Commission's next moves could arm (or disarm) the culture war.

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Digging deeper, this ouster isn’t just tabloid drama; it’s a flashing red light for the 2A community watching the religious liberty landscape. Bassette’s platform has intersected pro-gun advocacy before, notably supporting ministries that frame self-defense as a biblical mandate (Proverbs 25:26, anyone?). With antisemitism hearings spotlighting rising threats—riots at synagogues, campus mobs chanting globalize the intifada—her removal raises eyebrows: Was she too outspoken on linking faith freedoms to armed self-protection against such violence? The Religious Liberty Commission, tasked with shielding worshippers from federal encroachments, could now tilt toward softer stances, potentially weakening defenses for pro-2A pastors facing IRS scrutiny or local bans on concealed carry in pews. Trump’s orbit loves bold moves, but sidelining a beauty queen warrior like Bassette risks alienating the grassroots faithful who see AR-15s as modern swords of the Spirit.

Implications for gun owners? Keep eyes peeled—this could signal fractures in the pro-liberty coalition before inauguration. If religious councils soften on self-defense amid escalating antisemitic (and anti-Christian) attacks, expect ripple effects: fewer pulpits preaching armed vigilance, more vulnerability for synagogues and churches that 2A supporters arm to protect. Bassette’s fans are already rallying online, framing it as DC deep-state sabotage. Pro-2A faithful, this is your cue to amplify voices merging Exodus with the Heller decision—because when beauty meets bullets and belief, the real fight for freedom gets fierce. Stay vigilant; the Commission’s next moves could arm (or disarm) the culture war.

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