Defense Secretary
TAKE ACTION: Oppose confirmation of Christian crusader Peter Hegseth as defense secretary
Hearings for Trump’s cabinet picks have begun, and if senators approve Peter Hegseth, the Department of Defense could become a Christian nationalist haven.
Hegseth holds deeply troubling Christian nationalist beliefs and has no issues displaying them, even peppering his confirmation hearing with avowals of his faith. He bears a Jerusalem Cross (Crusader’s Cross) tattoo on his chest, as well as a “Deus vult” tattoo, translating to “God wills it,” which was used during the First Crusade as a battle cry. Hegseth’s body art alone doesn’t even scratch the surface of why he’s a bad fit for the job. He’s spouted dangerous theocratic talking points, has cozied up to numerous other Christian nationalists, and, most of all, he’s deeply unqualified for the position. Act now, and urge your senators to reject Hegseth for defense secretary.
Hegseth’s recent book, “American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free,” calls for an “American crusade.” Such comments and his morally compromised history, along with refusing to say he’d stop an unconstitutional military order from President Trump, show that he sees the military as a tool to advance his warrior version of Christianity. This does not respect the 32 percent of active service members today who have no religious affiliation. America needs a qualified secretary of defense. Please act now!
For more details, see FFRF’s two press releases, “Hegseth’s over-the-top piety can’t camouflage unfitness” (Jan. 15) and “Christian crusader Pete Hegseth unfit to lead the Pentagon,” (Nov. 19, 2024).