Government Accountability

Defense Secretary’s Promotion of Christian Nationalist Views Raises Alarming Questions About Religious Influence on Our Military

By National Security Desk | August 9, 2025

Pentagon leadership under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is spotlighting extremist Christian nationalist rhetoric, including calls to repeal women’s right to vote—stirring serious concerns about ideological agendas infiltrating national defense.

When the nation’s top military official shares a video endorsing pastors who advocate for repealing women’s constitutional right to vote, it demands scrutiny not merely as a personal belief but as a potential threat to the impartiality and integrity of our armed forces. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s repost on X (formerly Twitter) of a CNN report featuring extreme views from the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC) reveals an unsettling entanglement between religious absolutism and government leadership.

Why Should Americans Worry About Religious Extremism in the Pentagon?

Hegseth’s public backing of these views, which deny half the population their fundamental voting rights and promote voting by households rather than individuals, contradicts core American principles of individual liberty and national sovereignty. The fact that he describes his connection to CREC founder Doug Wilson as “All of Christ for All of Life” signals an alarming agenda where religious dogma could influence policy decisions affecting all Americans.

This is not just about religious freedom—it is about preserving the secular nature of our constitutional republic. How long will Washington tolerate officials who blur lines between church and state, potentially undermining democratic rights while commanding the military?

Christian Nationalism vs. America First Values

The America First ethos champions national unity through adherence to constitutional freedoms—not through exclusionary religious doctrines. While faith has its rightful place in private life, no one in public office tasked with guarding our borders and freedoms should use their platform to amplify divisive ideologies that marginalize women or challenge basic civil rights.

Moreover, Hegseth’s sanctioning of prayer services led by his personal pastor within Pentagon premises raises questions about inclusivity and respect for service members from diverse backgrounds. A professional military must stand above sectarian interests to maintain cohesion and loyalty to the Constitution.

The Defense Department must refocus on protecting America’s sovereignty against external threats—without allowing internal ideological battles to distract from our national security mission.

For patriotic Americans concerned about safeguarding freedom and equality under the law, this episode serves as a wake-up call: vigilance is required against any encroachment upon constitutional principles disguised as faith-based governance.