Pentagon Pete's Pastor Caught in Bonkers Chat on Dem Star's Death

Evangelical pastor Brooks Potteiger later took to social media to explain his inflammatory comments about Democratic candidate James Talarico.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:08am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's pastor, Brooks Potteiger, appeared on the Reformation Red Pill podcast and made controversial comments about Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, including saying he "prays that God kills him" and wants Talarico to be "crucified with Christ." Potteiger later defended his remarks, saying he was praying for Talarico's "conversion" and not calling for his literal death.

Why it matters

The comments from Potteiger, who has been called Hegseth's closest spiritual advisor, highlight the growing divide between evangelical Christian nationalists and more progressive Christian politicians like Talarico, who has been outspoken about his faith and progressive values. The incident also raises questions about the influence of extreme religious rhetoric in national politics.

The details

On the podcast, Potteiger and host Joshua Haymes reacted to clips of Talarico discussing his Christian faith and progressive views, with Haymes calling Talarico a "demon" and "snake" and Potteiger saying he wants Talarico to be "crucified with Christ." Potteiger later defended his comments, saying he was praying for Talarico's "conversion" and not calling for his literal death.

  • The podcast episode was recorded and released last week.
  • Talarico defeated Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary election earlier this month.

The players

Brooks Potteiger

An evangelical pastor who has been called Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's closest spiritual advisor. Potteiger appeared on the Reformation Red Pill podcast and made controversial comments about Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico.

James Talarico

A 36-year-old Presbyterian seminarian whose profile has risen after he defeated Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary election for the U.S. Senate seat representing Texas. Talarico has been outspoken about his Christian faith and progressive views.

Joshua Haymes

The host of the Reformation Red Pill podcast, where Potteiger appeared and made the controversial comments about Talarico. Haymes is a previous intern at Potteiger's Pilgrim Hill church.

Pete Hegseth

The Defense Secretary who has appeared on four episodes of the Reformation Red Pill podcast, the same extreme Christian nationalist podcast where Potteiger made his comments.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He is presenting himself as a Christian in order to distort what Christianity is and to lead people away from Christ towards the teachings of demons.”

— Joshua Haymes, Podcast Host

“I pray that God kills him. Ultimately, that means killing his heart and raising him up to new life in Christ.”

— Joshua Haymes, Podcast Host

“Right. Right. We want him crucified with Christ.”

— Brooks Potteiger, Pastor

“I want him to be I think Saul of Tarsus. Talerico of Tarsus. Yes. That's what I want.”

— Brooks Potteiger, Pastor

“Yes, we want death and new life. And if it would not be within God's will to do so, stop him by any means necessary.”

— Joshua Haymes, Podcast Host

What’s next

Potteiger's church has said he did not literally call for Talarico's death, but rather prayed for his "conversion." It remains to be seen if there will be any further fallout or response from Talarico or other political figures regarding Potteiger's inflammatory comments.

The takeaway

The controversy surrounding Potteiger's remarks highlights the growing divide between evangelical Christian nationalists and more progressive Christian politicians, as well as the influence of extreme religious rhetoric in national politics. It raises questions about the appropriate boundaries of religious discourse in the public sphere.