US President Donald Trump has appointed Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf to the White House’s newly formed Advisory Board of Lay Leaders under the Religious Liberty Commission. The appointments have sparked a political firestorm, with critics raising alarm over the past associations of both men—particularly Royer’s conviction on terrorism-related charges.
Who is Ismail Royer? Former Jihadist activist turned religious freedom advocate
Ismail Royer, born Randall Todd Royer, is a convert to Islam who pleaded guilty in 2004 to aiding individuals in attending a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) training camp in Pakistan. LeT is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, India, and several other countries. Royer also admitted to assisting co-defendants in weapons training with the intention of fighting Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
Royer was sentenced to 20 years in prison and served 13 years before being released in 2017. Since his release, he has rebranded himself as an advocate for religious freedom and currently serves as the director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team at the Religious Freedom Institute. The White House’s statement highlighted his interfaith advocacy and attempts to promote peace, though critics remain unconvinced.
Who is Shaykh Hamza Yusuf? Polarizing scholar in American Islam
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, a prominent Islamic scholar and co-founder of Zaytuna College in California, has long been a respected voice in interfaith and academic circles. He has served in several advisory roles, including on the US State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights.
Despite his reputation as a moderate voice, Yusuf has come under fire for past statements and affiliations. Conservative commentator Lara Loomer pointed out Yusuf’s participation in a fundraiser two days before 9/11 supporting Jamil al-Amin, who was later convicted of killing a police officer. At the event, Yusuf reportedly accused the US of systemic racism and suggested al-Amin had been framed.
He has also faced criticism for remarks made in the 1990s, including a 1996 ICNA convention speech where he reportedly characterised the US as a country with “little to be proud of.” Allegations of indirect ties to groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas—both designated terrorist organizations by the US government—have added fuel to the controversy, though Yusuf has not publicly addressed these claims.
Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, co-founder of Zaytuna College.
What Conservative said about the recent appointment?
Lara Loomer, a far-right political activist and staunch Trump supporter, has labeled the appointments as “insane” and warned of their potential implications for US national security. Loomer was previously influential in the ouster of former Trump National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and remains a potent force in conservative political circles.
EXCLUSIVE:
🚨 2 jihadists have been appointed to the White House Advisory Board of Lay Leaders, Announced Today on the official White House website 🚨
Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf co-founder of Zaytuna College are both listed despite their affiliations with Islamic… pic.twitter.com/L04Jq9JwwB
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 17, 2025
The inclusion of individuals with contentious pasts on a federal advisory board—especially one focused on religious liberty—has raised significant ethical and political questions. Critics argue that such appointments undermine national security and lend legitimacy to those once linked to violent extremism. The Trump team, however, has not issued any additional comment beyond the formal announcement.