Ex-jihadists with Al-Qaida and Lashkar-e-Taiba links join Trump's Religious Freedom Advisory board

Two former jihadist operatives from the United States, one with alleged ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group in Pakistan, have been appointed to the White House Advisory Board of Lay Leaders under former President Donald Trump’s administration, as reported by TOI. Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, co-founder of the US’s first accredited Muslim liberal arts college, Zaytuna College, were named despite concerns over their past affiliations with extremist groups, according to Lara Loomer, a prominent Trump ally.

Lashkar-e-Taiba training and terrorist activities in Kashmir
Ismail Royer, previously known as Rendell Royer before converting to Islam in 2000, is reported to have trained at a Lashkar-e-Taiba camp in Pakistan in 2000. He was involved in terrorist activities, including firing at Indian military positions in Kashmir. Royer was convicted in a US court in 2004 for his role in the ‘Virginia Jihadi Network’ and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He served 13 years before his release.

Royer pleaded guilty to aiding co-defendants in entering the Lashkar-e-Taiba training camp, where they were taught to use firearms and explosives. He also helped Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Hamdi gain entry to the same camp, where Al-Hamdi trained with a rocket-propelled grenade as part of a plot targeting India.

Loomer described Royer’s appointment as “insane” and shared on social media: “He was investigated by the FBI and in 2003, indicted on terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy to wage war against the US and providing material support to al-Qaida and LeT.”

What is the controversy surrounding Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
The second appointee, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, co-founder of Zaytuna College and adviser to the Center for Islamic Studies at Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union, also drew criticism. Loomer accused Yusuf of having jihadi links and misrepresenting the concept of jihad. She posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I like to inform you that Shaykh Hamza Yusuf is also a jihadi who has lied about the true definition of jihad and is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.”

Zaytuna College, she added, “teaches Sharia Law.” Yusuf’s role on the advisory board alongside Royer raised concerns given the alleged extremist backgrounds.

What is Lashkar-e-Taiba?
Lashkar-e-Taiba is a Pakistan-based militant group listed as a terrorist organisation by several countries, including the US and India. The group has been involved in multiple attacks in India, particularly in the Kashmir region, and has links with other extremist groups. Its training camps have been a hub for militants preparing for cross-border attacks.

Ismail Royer’s connection to LeT and his involvement in facilitating terror training for US-based operatives reveal a deep security concern. The fact that such figures are now part of a White House advisory panel raises questions about vetting processes and the nature of their current roles.

According to a White House statement, Royer serves as the director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team for the Religious Freedom Institute. His appointment, along with Yusuf’s, was presumably intended to provide insight on religious freedom and Muslim communities. However, Loomer’s outspoken criticism highlights the controversy.

Loomer played a key role in influencing the sacking of Mike Waltz, Trump’s National Security Adviser. Her opposition to Royer’s appointment underscores wider concerns about infiltration of extremist ideologies in official advisory roles.

(With inputs from TOI)