Trump-Era Appointees to Advisory Board Include Individuals With Alleged Extremist Links
Two American citizens, previously linked to jihadist activities, have reportedly been appointed to the White House Advisory Board of Lay Leaders during the Trump administration. Among them is an individual who allegedly underwent training at a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp in Pakistan around the year 2000 and was involved in militant actions in the Kashmir region, including firing on Indian military positions.
The individuals in question are Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, a prominent Islamic scholar and co-founder of Zaytuna College. Their inclusion in the advisory board has drawn criticism, especially given their alleged associations with Islamist militant networks. Conservative commentator Lara Loomer, known for her close ties to former President Donald Trump, publicly condemned the decision, calling it “insane.”
Royer, who now leads the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team at the Religious Freedom Institute, was previously convicted and served time for his involvement with a group accused of seeking to join forces with foreign terror organizations. His past reportedly includes participation in terrorist training camps and efforts to recruit others for extremist purposes.
Loomer, a vocal activist who had a role in the resignation of former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, raised concerns over Royer’s selection, particularly in light of national security implications.
While the White House cited Royer’s current role in promoting religious liberty, critics argue that his history should disqualify him from holding such an advisory position.
Ismail Royer, previously known as Rendell Royer before his conversion to Islam in 2000, was convicted in 2004 by a U.S. court for his involvement in terrorism-related offenses tied to the so-called Virginia Jihadi Network. According to publicly available court records and statements, Royer was investigated by the FBI and charged in 2003 with conspiracy to wage war against the United States and providing material support to designated terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He later pleaded guilty to charges of aiding and abetting the use of firearms and explosives. Though initially sentenced to 20 years in prison, he served 13 years before his release. These details were highlighted in a recent post on social media platform X by political commentator Lara Loomer, who expressed strong opposition to his subsequent advisory role.
As part of his 2004 plea agreement, Ismail Royer admitted to assisting several co-defendants — Masoud Khan, Yong Ki Kwon, Muhammed Aatique, and Khwaja Mahmoud Hasan — in accessing a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) training facility in Pakistan. There, the group underwent training in the use of various firearms, including semi-automatic pistols, as part of preparations allegedly intended for militant operations abroad.
Royer also acknowledged that he assisted Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Hamdi, another co-defendant, in gaining access to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) training camp. There, Al-Hamdi received instruction in the use of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) as part of a broader conspiracy aimed at conducting military-style operations against India.
Lara Loomer also raised concerns about a second appointee to the White House Advisory Board — Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, a prominent Islamic scholar identified by the administration as a co-founder of Zaytuna College, the first accredited Muslim liberal arts institution in the United States. He is also an advisor to the Center for Islamic Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Loomer, posting on social media platform X, accused Yusuf of promoting a distorted interpretation of jihad, and claimed he has alleged ties to groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. She further criticized Zaytuna College for reportedly incorporating Sharia Law into its curriculum.
