While Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s ties to an extremist church and his crusader tattoos raised eyebrows during his confirmation hearings, the former Fox & Friends host is now openly infusing his ultra-conservative brand of Christianity into the Pentagon. This move has sparked controversy, with veterans expressing concerns that Hegseth’s religious fervor, evident in new recruitment ads and official Department of Defense social media activities, is fracturing the military’s ranks and potentially harming its future.
In a recent Pentagon video posted on social media platform X, the message “We Are One Nation Under God” accompanies footage of paratroopers descending from aircraft and soldiers in tactical gear aiming assault rifles in a desert setting reminiscent of the Middle East. The video features a biblical quote from the book of Psalms: “I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed,” further emphasizing the religious undertones.
Religious Messaging and Military Recruitment
Hegseth’s personal social media activity has also drawn attention. He recently reposted a CNN segment about Pastor Doug Wilson, a controversial figure known for his conservative views, including opposition to women’s suffrage. Hegseth’s association with Wilson has raised questions about his commitment to gender equality, particularly given promises made to Senator Joni Ernst to support women in uniform.
The Pentagon has not commented on the religious themes in its recruitment efforts or its use of Christianity on social media. However, Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell stated that Hegseth is a proud member of a church affiliated with the Congregation of Reformed Evangelical Churches, founded by Wilson. “The Secretary very much appreciates many of Mr. Wilson’s writings and teachings,” Parnell noted.
Veteran Voices and Concerns
Mike Pruitt, a Navy veteran and Democratic congressional candidate in Virginia, is among those voicing concerns about Hegseth’s influence. Pruitt argues that the Secretary of Defense is sowing discord among the troops. “I have certainly heard from friends of mine who are still in service expressing frustration about the way that their role is being cast as political,” he said. “It is not their job to speak out, and therefore, that kind of concern and frustration within active service right now is just completely invisible to the media narrative.”
“We’ve got active-duty troops who recognize that the military they’re serving in has become a threat to democracy.” — Kristofer Goldsmith
Kristofer Goldsmith, an Iraq war veteran and CEO of Task Force Butler, a non-profit watchdog investigating extremism in the military, echoed Pruitt’s concerns. Goldsmith reported receiving messages from active-duty troops seeking involvement in his organization’s efforts to expose far-right links within the military community.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The current situation recalls the anti-war protests during the Bush era, a time when military and veteran communities showed significant resistance to Pentagon policies. Goldsmith noted that he hasn’t seen such resistance in the last two decades. Despite a recruitment shortfall prior to the second Trump administration, the Pentagon claims its campaigns under Hegseth have led to a surge in enlistments, a trend Goldsmith finds concerning.
“We’re gonna see a lot of Christian nationalists join the military. They’re not gonna perform very well, and our national security will suffer for a generation for it.” — Kristofer Goldsmith
Pruitt, who identifies as both a patriotic American and a practicing Christian, criticized Hegseth’s interpretation of faith as rooted in toxic machismo. He argues that Hegseth’s vision of a “picture book hero” is not aligned with the true mission of the military or Christianity.
Responses and Political Reactions
In response to the January 6 Capitol Hill attacks, which involved numerous active-duty and former servicemen, President Joe Biden prioritized tackling extremism within government ranks, particularly the military. His Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, issued a historic “stand-down order” in February 2021, prompting service members to reflect on extremism and introducing expanded guidelines on extremist activities.
Hegseth’s tenure has been marked by efforts to remove transgender troops and dismiss senior female and minority officers, actions he justifies as combating “wokeness.” Critics argue that these moves weaken the military’s strength and inclusivity.
As the Pentagon navigates these turbulent waters, the impact of Hegseth’s religious influence on military cohesion and national security remains a contentious issue. The future of the U.S. military may hinge on balancing religious expression with the need for unity and diversity within its ranks.
