Washington, D.C. – A controversial appointment by the Trump administration has come under scrutiny after it emerged that two individuals with past jihadist ties, including one with a history of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) training, were placed on the White House Advisory Board for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
From Lashkar Training to White House Advisory Role
One of the appointees, Ismail Royer, trained with LeT in Pakistan in 2000 and was involved in promoting jihadist activities in Kashmir. He later served 13 years in U.S. prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to terrorism-related charges, including providing material support to terrorist groups like LeT and Al-Qaeda.
Terror Charges and Imprisonment
In 2003, Royer was arrested and charged with conspiring to wage war against the U.S. and aiding terrorist groups. He received a 20-year sentence, serving 13 years before being released. Despite his past, he has now been given a voice in shaping policy through the White House Advisory Board of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Current Role and Rebranding
Royer currently serves as the Director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team at the Religious Freedom Institute, an organization that advocates interfaith dialogue. The White House highlighted his post-prison efforts in promoting peace, stating that Royer “has worked with nonprofits to promote peace between faiths.”
Recounting His Past Involvement
In a 2023 interview with the Middle East Forum, Royer admitted to encouraging others to join LeT. “The training wasn’t very serious—it felt more like tourism. Shoot some guns, explore the mountains, and go home,” he said. He also claimed he was misled into believing LeT was not extremist and opposed Bin Laden’s ideology.
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Also on the Panel
The advisory board also includes Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, co-founder of Zaytuna College, who has faced accusations of having alleged ties to proscribed jihadist groups. These claims have been amplified by political activist Lara Loomer, a prominent Trump supporter.
Political Backlash Over Appointments
Loomer, who has played a vocal role in conservative political circles, harshly criticized Royer’s inclusion on the panel, calling it “insane.” She previously campaigned for the removal of Trump’s National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz.
Redemption or Risk? Debate Reignites
The appointments have sparked renewed debate over the line between redemption and national security. Critics argue that individuals with militant pasts should not be placed in advisory roles, while supporters cite Royer’s transformation and efforts to counter extremism as proof of rehabilitation.
