Hegseth is a radicalized extremist and a dangerous choice for America’s military. He has long been associated with the “TheoBros,” a group of Christian Reconstructionists who advocate for the imposition of biblical law in American governance
Delray Beach, FL — Truth Wins Out, a nonprofit organization committed to combating extremism and advocating for equality, today voiced unsparing opposition to the nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump. Hegseth is an unparalleled threat to democracy, a radicalized Christian supremacist and a uniquely dangerous ideologue who would destabilize the Pentagon, not to mention the world order.
“Hegseth’s record reveals a man whose extreme, far-right beliefs and ties to the radical Christian nationalist movement known as the ‘TheoBros’ should raise serious concerns for anyone invested in the future of American democracy and the integrity of the U.S. military,” said Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen. “Senate Democrats must pull out all stops to deny Hegseth an opportunity to menace the country and threaten world stability.”
Ideological Extremism and Dangerous Associations
Hegseth has long been associated with the “TheoBros,” a group of Christian Reconstructionists who advocate for the imposition of biblical law in American governance, according to an investigation by Mother Jones. This fringe movement believes that the United States should be governed by interpretations of the Bible, including views that directly contradict core American values, such as religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Reconstructionists have also been known to support stoning to death for LGBTQ people.
In 2022, he co-authored Battle for the American Mind, a book that rails against “left-wing” education and advocates for parents to take up arms against progressive thought in schools. He has also publicly praised and supported Doug Wilson, the leading figure of the Reconstructionist movement, whose views include the belief that women should not have the right to vote and that religious minorities, including Muslims, should be assimilated or marginalized.
Hegseth’s alarming tattoos choices include symbols connected to the Christian Crusades and the phrase “Deus Vult” (“God wills it”). His ink raises red flags as these symbols, historically linked to religious violence, are part of a larger narrative embraced by the TheoBros that glorifies the violent imposition of religious ideals.
A Threat to Military Integrity and National Security
Hegseth called on the military to pardon war criminals such as Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher, who was accused of killing an Iraqi prisoner. His book The War on the Warriors denounces what he perceives as the military’s “wokeness,” including efforts to address issues like racism, gender equality, and domestic extremism. By framing these efforts as a threat to the military’s core mission, Hegseth risks undermining the professionalism and unity of the armed forces.
If appointed Secretary of Defense, Hegseth’s leadership could embolden the far-right’s influence within the military, creating a breeding ground for extremism and division.
A Call to Action
Truth Wins Out calls on the U.S. Senate to reject Pete Hegseth’s nomination and demand a more qualified, unifying, and stable choice to lead the Department of Defense. We believe that the American military must remain an apolitical force dedicated to protecting all Americans, not a vehicle for advancing dangerous, fringe ideologies.
For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Contact: Wayne Besen, Executive Director, Truth Wins Out
Email: Wbesen@TruthWinsOut.org
About Truth Wins Out
Truth Wins Out is a nonprofit organization that works to protect LGBTQ+ people and advance equality by combating the spread of hate, extremism, and misinformation. Through education, advocacy, and public policy work, we strive to build a world where all individuals are free from discrimination and persecution.
