Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has ignited a heated debate over his extremist views and controversial affiliations. Hegseth, a former Army officer and television host, co-authored the book "Battle for the American Mind" with David Goodwin, where he claims that public schools are part of a "progressive plan to neutralize the basis of our republic." His sharp criticisms of public education and advocacy for Christian Reconstructionism have drawn intense scrutiny.
Hegseth relocated his family to Tennessee so his children could attend the John Edwards Classical Academy, a school affiliated with the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS). This move aligns with his desire to distance his family from what he perceives as the "culturally Marxist" influence of public education. He has even suggested installing cameras in classrooms to monitor what is being taught, arguing that public schools "fail everybody" and serve as "indoctrination camps."
Hegseth is also a member of the Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, which belongs to the Congregation of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC). The CREC was co-founded by Douglas Wilson, a far-right pastor known for promoting Christian Reconstructionism (CR). This doctrine advocates for the subordination of civil government to Old Testament law and endorses a patriarchal family structure. Hegseth has expressed agreement with sphere sovereignty, a key tenet of CR doctrine that envisions fathers having authority over their wives and children.
Logan Davis, a researcher familiar with the reformed Calvinist church network, offers insights into the environment Hegseth is involved in. Davis grew up in a similar church setting and attended a classical Christian school akin to the one Hegseth's children now attend.
Hegseth's views extend beyond education and into governance. He has voiced opposition to democracy, claiming that the founders "blatantly rejected" it as "completely dangerous." This viewpoint aligns with some of Douglas Wilson's teachings. Wilson's church, Christ Church, has actively sought to expand its influence in Moscow, Idaho while resisting Covid-19 public health mandates.
"We want our nation to be a Christian nation because we want all the nations to be Christian nations" – Douglas Wilson
Wilson's comments further illustrate the controversial beliefs associated with Christian Reconstructionism. His statements about gender roles have also sparked outrage.
"The sexual act cannot be made into an egalitarian pleasuring party" – Douglas Wilson
"A man penetrates, conquers, colonizes, plants. A woman receives, surrenders, accepts" – Douglas Wilson
These remarks underscore the patriarchal ideology inherent in CR doctrine. Meanwhile, Hegseth has been vocal about the perceived threats facing America.
"The state's role is not to do good. It's not their responsibility to educate your children. It is the family's responsibility. Helped along with the church" – Pete Hegseth
"The phrase we use in the military is 'the X'. If you're standing on the X in an ambush, you're dead. That means the enemy's guns are pointed at you" – Pete Hegseth
"I mean, we are in the kill zone currently. He adds: 'The phrase we use in the military is 'the X'. If you're standing on the X in an ambush, you're dead. That means the enemy's guns are pointed at you'" – Pete Hegseth
Hegseth's rhetoric paints a dire picture of current societal challenges. He emphasizes urgency and action against what he perceives as ideological threats.
"At least we execute justice. You may not like us, but when you come to court, we'll solve your problem in 30 minutes, and you'll have a ruling based on the Qur'an that you say you believe in" – Pete Hegseth
His stance points to a preference for swift justice based on religious texts. Furthermore, his critiques of public education reveal his deep-seated concerns about its current state.
"first of all, these schools fail everybody. No one learns anything in them" – Pete Hegseth
"And second of all, they're indoctrination camps. They're transing your kids" – Pete Hegseth
"part of what we call for, too, is cameras in the classroom" – Pete Hegseth