Pentagon Chief Hegseth Accused of Pushing Christian Nationalism

Critics say Hegseth is marginalizing non-Christian military members and violating separation of church and state

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:53am

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A somber, cinematic painting depicting an American flag draped over a military uniform, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of unease and the blending of religion and military power.The blending of Christian nationalism and military power raises troubling questions about the future direction of the armed forces.Los Angeles Today

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has been accused of pushing a Christian nationalist agenda at the Pentagon, firing or forcing out senior military leaders who don't align with his views, and restricting press access in an effort to control the narrative. Hegseth has described the U.S. as a Christian nation and has invited Christian nationalist mentors to lecture at the Pentagon, raising concerns about the violation of the separation of church and state.

Why it matters

Hegseth's actions are seen as a dangerous politicization of the military, undermining its professionalism and non-partisan nature. His embrace of Christian nationalism and willingness to override military justice raises concerns about the future direction of the armed forces under his leadership.

The details

Hegseth has fired or forced out several senior military officers, most recently the Army chief of staff, and has blocked promotions of women and Black generals. He has also pardoned soldiers convicted of violating the laws of war, claiming they are 'heroes' being wrongly jailed. Hegseth has restricted press access at the Pentagon, forcing journalists to sign agreements limiting their ability to publish unclassified material without authorization.

  • Hegseth was appointed Secretary of War in January 2025.
  • In February 2026, Hegseth prayed to 'King Jesus' at a White House dinner for governors.
  • In March 2026, a federal judge ruled that the Pentagon's restrictions on press coverage were unconstitutional.
  • In April 2026, Hegseth urged people to pray 'in the name of Jesus Christ' to support U.S. troops fighting in Iran.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current Secretary of War, known for his Christian nationalist views and efforts to reshape the military along those lines.

Larry Wilkerson

A retired Army Colonel who served as chief of staff to Colin Powell, and has criticized Hegseth's actions as violating 'everything that transpired before it.'

Randy Manner

A retired Army Major General who was second-in-command at the National Guard from 2011 to 2012, and has spoken with 'dozens and dozens' of active-duty chaplains who feel marginalized by Hegseth.

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What they’re saying

“There's a direct through line from the Old and New Testament Christian gospels to the development of Western civilization and the United States of America.”

— Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War

“Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!”

— Pope Leo

What’s next

A federal judge has ruled that the Pentagon's restrictions on press coverage are unconstitutional, but the Pentagon has since ordered journalists to be hosted in an annex to the building rather than inside. The ongoing legal battle over press access and Hegseth's actions are likely to continue.

The takeaway

Hegseth's embrace of Christian nationalism and his efforts to reshape the military along those lines raise serious concerns about the politicization of the armed forces and the violation of the separation of church and state. His actions threaten to undermine the military's professionalism and non-partisan nature, with potentially far-reaching consequences for national security.