Joshua Haymes, a former pastor from Goodlettsville, Tennessee, ignited a tsunami of outrage. He accomplished this goal in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, last November 15. His comments were in reaction to Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be defense secretary. They have attracted enormous national attention due to their radical political claims and inflammatory rhetoric. With Haymes now living about a 15 minute drive away from Hegseth’s sprawling estate, he has become a lightning rod for discussions about far-right ideologies and their increasing normalization and visibility within American political discourse.
In his commentary published on City Lab, Haymes linked Hegseth’s appointment to the broader story of “white replacement.” This term often crops up in conversations associated with white supremacist talking points. His connections to these extreme views have rightfully sent shockwaves through environmental justice communities and activists. In this regard, they critique such notions as inciting strife and malice. Haymes’ political agenda — A long list of radical proposals. Haymes’ political agenda is a window into his extreme ideology.
Radical Political Agenda
Haymes calls for nothing less than a comprehensive remodeling of cultural mindsets and legislative statutes that he argues erode family structure and moral upbringing. Among these cherished policies is the repeal of abortion and IVF, making clear a hard-line anti-abortion position. According to him, this necessitates an outright ban on pornography. He further calls for the return of public executions for violent criminals and the elimination of no-fault divorce.
One prominent example is Haymes himself, who is working to reverse the landmark Supreme Court ruling Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage. He has been a proponent of banning gay adoption. These proposals further his agenda to promote his view that liberal agendas undermine the moral fabric of our nation.
“Liberalism is the greatest threat to the flourishing of our nation at the moment. Neo-Nazi ideology … it’s basically non-existent in the west today.” – Joshua Haymes
His outspoken views position him within a growing movement that seeks to redefine social norms based on a strict interpretation of Christian values. Critics claim that these types of positions fuel an environment of intolerance and discrimination, especially to those in marginalized communities.
Connections to Extremist Ideologies
Haymes regularly expresses support for extremist views and public figures. He even infamously endorsed white supremacist Jared Taylor, the founder of the white nationalist rag American Renaissance. He’s previously voiced his opinion that some Americans shouldn’t be able to vote at all. This declaration complicates his standing in the D.C. conventional wisdom.
And indeed, his recent statements about the celebration of diversity have incurred the fury of the left from all directions. In fact, he has the gall to assert that diversity is not a strength. Rather, he argues that the first duty is actually loyalty to one’s own culture and people.
“Correct. Diversity is not our strength … It is good to love your people & your place and seek to preserve it from destruction. This is a Christian impulse.” – Joshua Haymes
Such sentiments have been rightly read as reflecting an attempt to mainstream far-right ideas into more establishment conservative spaces. The consequences of believing these things are dire for anyone who dreads the decay of democratic norms.
Community Reactions
Reaction to Haymes’ comments has been immediate and widespread. Thousands of people and organizations cheer for his maverick ways and free speech. As Time Magazine rightly points out, his opponents are correct to argue that his incendiary rhetoric is reckless and inflammatory. Activists say these statements, and the rhetoric surrounding them, create an environment that empowers hate groups and sows discord in American communities.
Social media users are understandably incensed that he would say something like this about the events surrounding Pride. His suggestion that participants might suffer physical harm was particularly worrisome.
“My role is simply to give that warning. Pride marchers who are sexualizing children are in for a very, very harsh judgment when they stand before their maker.” – Joshua Haymes
Furthermore, his statements on public execution and capital punishment have spurred conversations around morality and ethics in modern day America.
“I am not in favor of rushing to capital punishment for adultery. Though in principle I am not against it.” – Joshua Haymes
The local community is still reeling from the divisive firestorm Haymes’ incendiary language ignited. Some people consider him a champion of conservative values, others consider him a leading purveyor of toxic far-right culture.