US
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is a prominent follower of Douglas Wilson, an
Idaho-based pastor and leading figure in the Christian nationalist movement.
Hegseth, who has expressed strong admiration for Wilson’s writings and
teachings, is a member of a church affiliated with Wilson’s Communion of
Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC).
Key
Connections and Context
Affiliation:
Hegseth moved to Tennessee to enroll his children in a school associated with
the Christian education movement established by Wilson. He is also a member of
a CREC church, a denomination known for opposing the separation of church and
state.
Endorsement:
In August 2025, Hegseth highlighted his connection to Wilson by sharing a video
from Wilson’s media company, Canon Press, with the caption "All of Christ
for All of Life".
Pentagon
Service: In February 2026, Hegseth invited Wilson to preach at a voluntary,
monthly Christian worship service inside the Pentagon. During this service,
Wilson, who has expressed views against women's suffrage and for the
criminalization of homosexuality, preached about a "black swan"
revival.
Political
Influence: Wilson has stated he supports Hegseth's nomination and, while
downplaying direct influence, noted that his views are finding increasing
acceptance within the Trump administration.
Wilson is
a controversial figure known for rigid patriarchal, "dominionist"
views, which call for Christian leadership to dominate all aspects of public
life.
Slavery:
Wilson has previously drawn scrutiny for arguing that some aspects of Southern
slavery were not as bad as portrayed and was based on a "patriarchal"
structure.
Women's
Rights: Wilson has expressed that women should not hold leadership positions,
including in the military, and has suggested that the 19th Amendment, which
granted women the right to vote, was a mistake.
Response:
Critics, including military personnel and veterans, have labeled the invitation
to speak at the Pentagon as an "unconstitutional and extreme attack"
on the First Amendment, raising concerns about the separation of church and
state.
Defense
Department Stance
The
Pentagon has defended the relationship, stating that Hegseth is a "proud
Christian" who is embracing the nation's "Christian heritage".
Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson confirmed the invitation to Wilson,
stating the Secretary welcomes his teachings.
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