Pete Hegseth Is Creating a Patriarchal Pentagon to Fight Domestic Foes
thenation.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 5:31:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Presidential Campaigns, U.S.–NATO Relations
On August 7, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X a clip of a CNN segment featuring Doug Wilson, the pastor who cofounded the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), the extremist Christian nationalist sect that Hegseth joined in 2018. Hegseth added a catchphrase to the post that he learned from the church, "All of Christ for All of Life." In the video itself, Wilson and other CREC pastors affirm a theocratic and patriarchal vision of the world. Wilson tells CNN, "I'd like to see the nation be a Christian nation, and I'd like to see the world be a Christian world." Another CREC pastor calls for the repeal of the 19th Amendment, which enshrines the right of women to vote, and a female parishioner supports the church's teaching that wives must submit to their husbands.
While Hegseth's post ignited controversy, Wilson was delighted by to have such a powerful government official give CREC an imprimatur. The pastor told the AP:
[Hegseth] reposted it, and he himself said "All of Christ for All of Life," which is a tagline that we use. This is the first time we've had connections with as many people in the national government as we do now.... We're trying to give these people an opportunity to meet with God.... I think the 19th Amendment was a bad idea.
Hegseth's religious faith is more than a personal matter since the church has such a far-reaching program for remaking the United States and the world. While Hegseth can't overturn the 19th Amendment, he can reshape the Pentagon along patriarchal lines. Donald Trump, who nominated Hegseth, is himself trying to turn the military into a tool of his partisan agenda, sending troops to Washington, DC, ostensibly to fight crime.
Hegseth joined CREC at one of his frequent moments of personal crisis. In 2017, he paid $50,000 in a settlement with a woman who accused him of sexual assault. The following year, Hegseth's mother wrote him a letter that read in part, "You are an abuser of women -- that is the ugly truth and I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around, and uses women for his own power and ego." (She later disavowed this letter.) At that time, Hegseth was a twice-divorced alcoholic who had been repeatedly accused of mismanaging the nonprofits he oversaw (on occasion allegedly creating an environment where sexual harassment flourished). Wanting to rebuild his life, Hegseth joined CREC in 2018 and remarried the following year.
As Amanda Marcotte noted in Salon, Wilson's theology is grounded in the idea of female sexual subservience:
In one famous passage from his book on marriage, Wilson suggests that sexual violence is women's fault for not being submissive enough. "[T]he sexual act cannot be made into an egalitarian pleasuring party," he writes. "A man penetrates, conquers, colonizes, plants. A woman receives, surrenders, accepts." The alleged failure of women to submit, he continues, leads men to "dream of being rapists," deprived of the "erotic necessity" found in women's submission.
In running the Pentagon, Hegseth has been a cultural warrior more concentrated on defeating liberalism than in fighting foreign wars. He has been especially focused on purging the military of transgender troops. Hegseth also believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have weakened the military's war-making ability. He has assiduously blocked the promotion of officers he sees as opposed to his vision. Sometimes these officers are white men Hegseth views as hostile, but a strikingly large number are women and/or people of color.
The New York Times made a partial list:
Hegseth and President Trump fired Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr.... Hegseth accused General Brown, who is Black, of prioritizing diversity over the combat effectiveness of the force.
Also removed during the first months of the new administration were the first woman to command the Navy, Adm. Lisa Franchetti; the first woman to command the Coast Guard, Adm. Linda Fagan; Mr. Hegseth's senior military assistant, Lt. Gen. Jennifer Short; and the U.S. military representative to the NATO military committee, Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield. All were dismissed as part of a campaign to root out diversity, equity and inclusion from the military and restore what Mr. Hegseth has described as a "warrior ethos."
Mr. Hegseth also recently withdrew the nomination of Rear Adm. Michael "Buzz" Donnelly to lead the Navy's Seventh Fleet in Japan -- its largest overseas force -- amid reports in conservative media that seven years earlier the admiral had allowed a drag performance to take place on the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan.
The message of these firings and failures to nominate is clear: Under Hegseth, the military is an institution for conservative cis white men. You are automatically suspect if you are a woman, trans, or a person of color. Even if you are white man, any sign of tolerance of diversity makes you suspect.
Hegseth grabbed on to Christian nationalist patriarchy as a solution to his personal failures. Now he is trying to impose that Christian nationalist patriarchy on the military. The logical outcome of this program is a military geared not to fighting military threats but to waging internal domestic war against the foes of Christian nationalism. Along with Trump, who is using the military as a personal army, Hegseth is paving the way for an authoritarian United States.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent activities of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his ties to the extremist Christian nationalist sect, the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), raise significant concerns about the intertwining of religious extremism and government policy. Hegseth's endorsement of Doug Wilson's patriarchal and theocratic vision—emphasizing ideas like the repeal of the 19th Amendment, which grants women the right to vote—highlights a troubling shift in the United States towards an ideology that seeks to undermine hard-won social justice gains. This movement is not merely an eccentric fringe but rather a growing force within the Republican Party, one that threatens the foundational principles of democracy and equality.
Historically, the United States has grappled with the influence of religious factions on governance. From the Puritans in New England to the Southern Baptists’ sway over the Republican Party, religious ideologies have frequently intersected with political power. However, the current manifestation of this relationship, as evidenced by Hegseth's actions, is particularly alarming. It harkens back to the pre-19th Amendment era when women were largely excluded from political discourse and decision-making. The call to repeal the 19th Amendment not only seeks to roll back women’s rights but also reflects a broader agenda to re-establish patriarchal norms that many thought had been dismantled through decades of struggle. It is imperative to connect these dots when engaging with those who may underestimate the implications of such rhetoric.
Hegseth’s personal history—marked by allegations of sexual misconduct and a problematic relationship with women—adds a layer of complexity to his public persona. His trajectory from a man facing serious allegations to a high-ranking government official aligned with extremist views demonstrates how personal crises can lead individuals to radicalize within toxic ideological frameworks. This phenomenon is not unique to Hegseth but can be seen across various political figures who have embraced extremist ideologies as a means of self-redemption or power consolidation. It raises a vital question for society: What does it mean when individuals with questionable pasts are granted positions of significant authority and influence?
The implications of Hegseth's actions extend beyond mere political theater; they intersect with ongoing social struggles for gender equality and civil rights. The resurgence of patriarchal ideas within political discourse is often met with resistance from feminist movements and advocates for social justice. The CREC's teachings about female subservience reflect a broader cultural pushback against the progress made by women and marginalized communities. Engaging in discussions about these issues provides an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of inclusivity and equality in governance. It challenges the notion that any ideology, particularly one grounded in exclusion and subjugation, can be legitimate in a democratic society.
In conclusion, the intersection of Hegseth's actions, his religious affiliations, and the broader implications for American democracy demand critical attention. This moment serves as a clarion call for those who value social justice and equality to remain vigilant against the encroachment of extremist ideologies in positions of power. As civil societies and advocates for equality rally against these trends, it is crucial to educate and empower others to understand the historical context and present-day ramifications of such movements. By doing so, one can effectively counter the narratives pushed by right-wing extremists and reaffirm a commitment to a more just and equitable society for all.
The recent emergence of Pete Hegseth as a prominent figure within the Pentagon raises troubling questions about the intersection of religious extremism and governmental power in the United States. Hegseth, a known proponent of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), exemplifies a dangerous trend wherein individuals with theocratic aspirations are gaining influence in the highest echelons of government. His endorsement of Doug Wilson, a pastor advocating for a patriarchal society and the repeal of the 19th Amendment, signals not merely a personal belief system but a concerted effort to reshape American governance along the lines of theocratic and patriarchal principles. This development indicates a significant challenge to the secular values that have historically underpinned American democracy and raises the specter of an agenda that seeks to diminish women's rights and liberties.
The historical context is crucial for understanding this situation. The United States has a long-standing tradition of separating church and state, a principle rooted in the Enlightenment ideals of individual liberty and rational governance. However, the rise of Christian nationalism over the past few decades has increasingly blurred these lines. Groups like the CREC, with their calls for a Christian nation, exemplify a strain of thought that seeks to impose religious doctrine on public policy. This not only threatens the principles of pluralism and inclusivity that are foundational to American democracy but also undermines the hard-fought rights of women and marginalized communities. The rhetoric surrounding the 19th Amendment and women's rights is particularly alarming, as it reflects a desire to regress to a time when women were denied fundamental rights and autonomy.
As Americans, we must recognize the implications of Hegseth's actions and their potential to reshape our society in profoundly regressive ways. The first step in countering this movement is education—understanding the history of women's rights, the importance of the separation of church and state, and the dangers posed by theocratic ideologies. Engaging in conversations about these issues can help illuminate the stakes involved. It is essential to draw connections between Hegseth's endorsement of CREC and broader patterns of conservative backlash against women's rights and social progress. By framing these discussions around the values of democracy, equality, and human rights, we can effectively challenge the narratives promoted by figures like Hegseth and their supporters.
Furthermore, grassroots activism can play a vital role in combating the influence of extremist ideologies within our government. Engaging in local and national campaigns that advocate for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the protection of secular governance can help to build a counter-narrative to the theocratic vision espoused by Hegseth and his allies. Supporting organizations that promote gender equality, reproductive rights, and the separation of church and state is paramount. Additionally, holding elected officials accountable for their affiliations and the ideologies they promote is crucial. This means voting in local and national elections, attending town hall meetings, and utilizing social media platforms to amplify voices that challenge the status quo.
Lastly, it is essential to foster a culture of resistance against the patriarchal values that underpin Hegseth's actions. This can involve creating spaces for dialogue and support among communities affected by such ideologies. By highlighting stories of resilience, empowerment, and solidarity, we can counteract the narratives that seek to diminish women's autonomy and rights. Engaging men in conversations about toxic masculinity and the implications of patriarchal structures can also foster a more inclusive dialogue. The goal is to cultivate a society where all individuals, regardless of gender, are valued and respected, and where the government reflects the diversity of its citizenry rather than imposing a singular, theocratic vision.
In conclusion, Pete Hegseth's rise within the Pentagon and his association with extremist ideologies represent a significant threat to the values of democracy, equality, and secular governance in the United States. By understanding the historical context, engaging in education and activism, and fostering a culture of resistance, we can collectively challenge the narratives that seek to undermine women's rights and advance a patriarchal agenda. This is not merely a political issue; it is a matter of safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms that define our democracy. As concerned citizens, we have the power to push back against these regressive forces and to advocate for a future that honors the principles of equality and justice for all.
### Analysis and Actions Regarding the Article on Pete Hegseth and the CREC
The rise of individuals like Pete Hegseth, who promote patriarchal and theocratic ideologies within government positions, poses a significant threat to democratic values and the rights of marginalized groups. Here’s a detailed list of actions individuals can take in response to this issue:
#### 1. **Educate Yourself and Others** - **Action**: Host community discussions or educational workshops about the implications of merging religion with state power, focusing on the history and impact of patriarchal systems. - **Example**: Create a reading group that focuses on books like "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood or "The Power" by Naomi Alderman, exploring themes of patriarchy and dystopian governance.
#### 2. **Sign Petitions** - **Action**: Find and sign petitions that oppose theocratic influences in government. - **Example**: - **Petition**: "Protect Women's Rights and Reaffirm the 19th Amendment" on Change.org. - **Link**: [Change.org petition](https://www.change.org) (search for relevant petitions). - **What to say**: In the comments, emphasize the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens to ensure a fair and democratic society.
#### 3. **Contact Local Representatives** - **Action**: Write to your local congressional representatives expressing concern over Hegseth's influence and the implications of the CREC's ideology. - **Who to write to**: - Find your representatives using [GovTrack.us](https://www.govtrack.us/). - **Example**: If you are in California, you could write to: - **Representative Nancy Pelosi** Email: [nancy.pelosi@mail.house.gov](mailto:nancy.pelosi@mail.house.gov) Address: 1236 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 - **What to say**: - Express your concerns about the dangers of theocratic ideologies infiltrating government positions. - Urge them to support policies that protect democratic values and women's rights.
#### 4. **Engage in Local Activism** - **Action**: Join or create local activist groups that focus on women’s rights, civil liberties, and the separation of church and state. - **Example**: Collaborate with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or local women’s rights groups. - **What to say**: Attend meetings to discuss strategies for advocacy and how to address the issues presented in the article.
#### 5. **Leverage Social Media** - **Action**: Use social media platforms to raise awareness about the dangers of theocratic influence in government and promote discussions. - **Example**: Create informative posts or videos that summarize the key points of the article and encourage followers to take action. - **What to say**: Use hashtags like #ProtectThe19th, #SeparationOfChurchAndState, and #WomenEmpowerment to broaden the conversation.
#### 6. **Support Local and National Organizations** - **Action**: Donate time or resources to organizations that advocate for women’s rights and the separation of church and state. - **Example**: Volunteer with groups like the National Organization for Women (NOW) or the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). - **What to say**: When reaching out to these organizations, express your desire to contribute to their mission and inquire about ongoing projects or events.
#### 7. **Participate in Public Comment Opportunities** - **Action**: Look for opportunities to provide public comments during town hall meetings or public hearings regarding local policies and initiatives. - **What to say**: Prepare a statement that addresses the potential for misuse of governmental power by religious ideologies and advocate for policies that ensure equality and justice for all citizens.
#### 8. **Stay Informed and Vote** - **Action**: Follow news related to the influence of religious groups in politics and ensure you vote in local and national elections. - **Example**: Research candidates' positions on key issues related to women's rights and the separation of church and state. - **What to say**: When discussing candidates with others, emphasize the importance of supporting those who uphold democratic principles and women's rights.
By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to a larger movement aimed at safeguarding democratic values and protecting the rights of all citizens against extremist ideologies. The fight against patriarchal influence in our institutions is ongoing and requires collective effort and vigilance.