What Happened: Pete Hegseth is facing scrutiny for injecting overt Christian rhetoric into military messaging as the U.S. enters war with Iran, including biblical references and ties to crusader imagery and Christian nationalist ideology. His leadership has also driven policy shifts inside the military aligned with his religious worldview, including changes to diversity programs, chaplaincy, and troop policies.
Why It Matters: Injecting religious ideology into military policy breaks from the U.S. tradition of a secular armed forces and undermines its foundation. It distorts decision-making and blurs the line between national security and religious doctrine.