Pete Hegseth and the Rise of Extremist Christian Nationalism in the Pentagon

On January 24, 2025, Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Secretary of Defense in a narrow 51-50 Senate vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. This confirmation has significant implications for the Pentagon and the U.S. military, given Hegseth's deeply rooted Christian nationalist beliefs [1] [2].

Hegseth’s Christian Nationalist Ideology

Hegseth has openly endorsed “Sphere Sovereignty,” a doctrine that posits distinct God-ordained societal roles, including a strict separation of spheres for family, church, and government [3]. However, in the hands of Christian Reconstructionists, this idea morphs into a framework where civil government is subordinated to biblical law. This belief system, largely developed by R.J. Rushdoony, Greg Bahnsen, and Gary North, advocates for the application of Old Testament law in modern society, including capital punishment for offenses such as homosexuality, adultery, and blasphemy [4].

In newly unearthed recordings, Hegseth rails against democracy itself, claiming that America’s founders rejected it as dangerous. He also describes public schools as an “egalitarian, dystopian LGBT nightmare,” mirroring the Reconstructionist belief that education should be a religious endeavor rather than a public good [1]. His rejection of pluralism and secular governance aligns closely with far-right religious leaders such as Douglas Wilson, who promotes a Christian theocracy where non-Christian religions are banned from public life [1].

The Militarization of Christian Extremism

Hegseth’s beliefs do not exist in a vacuum; they are interwoven with his vision for the U.S. military. His statements indicate an intent to remake the Pentagon into an explicitly Christian institution, eradicating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and purging “woke” military leaders [5]. He has vowed to fire generals who support policies he deems politically correct and to refocus the military on “lethality” and “meritocracy” [5].

This approach mirrors a broader Christian nationalist push to align military objectives with religious warfare. In his book American Crusade, Hegseth praises the unwavering religious zeal of Islamic extremists as an advantage in combat, lamenting that America’s military lacks a similarly unifying religious dogma [2]. His rhetoric implies a desire to transform the U.S. military into a force engaged in a quasi-religious struggle, a dangerous notion that echoes the crusader mentality of past conflicts.

What This Means for the Pentagon and U.S. National Security

With Hegseth’s confirmation, the military could see significant changes, including:

A Purge of Non-Christian and Progressive Military Leaders: Hegseth has vowed to fire high-ranking officers who support DEI programs, replacing them with figures who align with his Christian nationalist vision [5].
A Shift Toward Theocratic Governance Within the Military: By embedding Christian Reconstructionist principles into Pentagon policy, Hegseth could erode the constitutional separation of church and state, effectively making religious belief a criterion for military leadership [1].
A New Definition of ‘Domestic Enemies’: Hegseth has hinted at a reorientation of military priorities to combat perceived internal threats, particularly those on the political left. His rhetoric suggests a military that is not just defending the nation, but actively engaging in ideological warfare against “secular” and “leftist” influences [2].
Increased Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ and Non-Christian Service Members: Hegseth’s alignment with theocratic beliefs that condemn homosexuality and promote rigid patriarchal structures raises concerns about the treatment of LGBTQ+ personnel and women in the military [4].

Conclusion: A Dangerous Path Forward

Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense represents more than just a personnel change; it signals an ideological crusade to reshape the military in the image of Christian nationalism. By fusing extreme religious doctrine with military power, Hegseth could undermine the foundational principles of American democracy and military professionalism. His vision, if realized, would place the Pentagon at the center of a culture war, turning it from a defense institution into a battleground for religious extremism.

At a time when geopolitical tensions are already high, the last thing the U.S. military needs is a leader who sees governance not as a civic duty, but as a divine mandate to impose biblical law. The Senate and the American public must critically examine the potential consequences of his confirmation and ask whether such a transformation aligns with the values of a democratic nation built on religious freedom and pluralism.