On August 14, 2025, the Pentagon found itself at the center of a heated debate over women’s rights, religion, and the role of the U.S. military’s top civilian leader. The controversy began when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reposted a video on X (formerly Twitter) that featured several pastors—most notably Doug Wilson, a self-described Christian nationalist—openly supporting the repeal of the 19th Amendment, which grants women the right to vote. The video, originally a CNN segment, also included statements from other religious figures advocating for a return to household voting, where only the male head of household would cast a ballot.
Hegseth’s repost, accompanied by the phrase "All of Christ for All of Life," quickly sparked public outcry and confusion. Critics questioned whether the Secretary of Defense, who holds one of the most influential positions in the U.S. government, truly supported the fundamental right of women to participate in American democracy. The uproar prompted an immediate response from the Pentagon.
"Of course, the secretary thinks that women should have the right to vote. That’s a stupid question," Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told reporters during a Thursday briefing, as reported by multiple outlets including CNN and Reuters. Wilson’s blunt dismissal of the controversy aimed to put the issue to rest, but the questions kept coming. Wilson further clarified, "He (Hegseth) appreciates many of (Pastor Wilson’s) writings and teachings. I’m not going to litigate every single aspect of what he may or may not believe in a certain video."
The reposted video did not just feature Doug Wilson, but also pastors such as Toby Sumpter and Jared Longshore. Longshore, executive pastor of Christ Church, told CNN, "I would support this, given that the fragmentation arising from our current system is not beneficial to people." The video’s message was clear: these religious leaders believe the 19th Amendment should be repealed and that voting should be a household, not individual, right.
Hegseth’s ties to these religious leaders are not incidental. He is a member of a Tennessee church affiliated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), founded by Doug Wilson. According to Reuters, the CREC’s governing documents assert that "it is neither lawful nor honorable for women to be mustered for combat service," and that it is "the duty of men—not women—to protect their homelands and nations." Hegseth is the most prominent member of Wilson’s faith network within the Trump administration.
The Defense Secretary’s religious affiliations have been increasingly visible in his official role. Since taking office in January 2025, Hegseth has begun holding Christian prayer services at the Pentagon. The first of these was led by his Tennessee pastor, Brooks Potteiger, who in his opening prayer thanked God for President Donald Trump and for other leaders whom God, as he put it, had "sovereignly appointed" to bring "stability and moral clarity to our land." Hegseth has also referenced his Christian faith in congressional testimony and public events, as noted by Reuters.
Despite the Pentagon’s insistence that Hegseth supports women’s suffrage, his recent actions have drawn scrutiny. In April 2025, Hegseth canceled a program aimed at increasing the role of women in national security sectors—a program first signed into law in 2017 by then-President Trump. The cancellation raised eyebrows, especially when combined with reports that Hegseth had reassigned several senior female military leaders, including Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, the first female superintendent of the Naval Academy. Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta criticized these moves, telling Nexstar Media, "Just to remove commanders from their positions without cause sends a clear signal that this is not about merit, it’s not about performance, it’s about the fact that they’re women. It’s the only conclusion you can come to."
Hegseth’s own history with gender issues stretches back to his time as a student at Princeton, where his views on feminism reportedly caused tension. While he previously argued that women should not serve in combat roles, he has since revised his stance, stating that he respects all women who serve and is focused on maintaining standards rather than gender restrictions.
These controversies play out against a backdrop of broader debates about the intersection of religion, politics, and the military. The U.S. military, while predominantly Christian, includes service members from many faiths and those who are nonreligious. Non-denominational prayer services are common at military events, but the overtly Christian tone of Hegseth’s Pentagon services—and his alignment with leaders who espouse theocratic views—has unsettled some observers.
Doug Wilson, whose influence is central to this story, has been open about his vision for America as a "Christian nation." In the CNN segment, he stated, "I would like to see this nation being a Christian nation, and I would like this world to be a Christian world." Wilson’s teachings extend beyond voting rights; he has also advocated for the criminalization of gay sex and has made controversial claims about the history of slavery, including suggesting there was "genuine affection" between slaves and their owners. The Pentagon press secretary declined to specify which of these views Hegseth does or does not support, saying, "I’m not going to litigate every single aspect of what he may or may not believe in a certain video."
As the controversy unfolded, the Pentagon sought to shift the focus to the military’s overall health and inclusivity. Wilson praised the military’s recruitment numbers for both men and women under Hegseth’s leadership, calling it "a testament to his leadership." Yet, for many, the underlying questions about the Defense Secretary’s personal beliefs and policy decisions remain unresolved.
Meanwhile, broader Pentagon policy issues continue to simmer. A recent memo allowed weapons designated for Ukraine to be returned to U.S. stockpiles, a move that could affect Kyiv’s military support and U.S. budgetary expenditures. The decision has sparked concern among U.S. officials and allies, adding another layer of complexity to Hegseth’s tenure.
In the end, the episode underscores the challenges facing any leader who straddles the worlds of faith and public service. Pete Hegseth’s personal beliefs, affiliations, and actions are under intense scrutiny—not just for what they reveal about him, but for what they may signal about the direction of the U.S. military and the values it upholds. As the Pentagon continues to clarify and defend its leader’s stance, the debate over women’s rights, religious influence, and military policy is unlikely to fade from public view anytime soon.