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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Ben Makuch

How Pete Hegseth’s zeal to bring religiosity to the Pentagon is dividing the military

Pete Hegseth addresses the media at the White House in August 2025.
Pete Hegseth addresses the media at the White House in August 2025. Photograph: Will Oliver/EPA

While secretary of defense Pete Hegseth’s links to an extremist church and crusader tattoos caused a stir during his confirmation hearings, the former Fox & Friends host is now openly bringing his ultra-conservative brand of christianity to the Pentagon.

Veterans tell the Guardian that Hegseth’s religiosity – rubbing off in new recruitment ads and official US Department of Defense social media activities – is dividing the ranks and doing untold damage to the future of the US military.

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