US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has drawn criticism for framing the Iran conflict in language that closely echoes sermons from his Christian nationalist church. During a 17 April press briefing, Hegseth compared the US press corps to the Pharisees, using a biblical passage from Mark 3 that he said he heard in church the previous Sunday.
The sermon Hegseth referenced was delivered on 12 April at Christ Kirk DC, a branch of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), a denomination that openly advocates Christian nationalism. The sermon, titled “The Fellowship of Grievance,” urged worshippers to embrace a “biblically informed hatred” and portrayed political opponents as united by shared animosity.
CREC founder Douglas Wilson confirmed in an email that Hegseth’s worldview is “broadly the same as ours” and described himself as a Christian nationalist. The denomination’s influence has grown within the Trump administration, with Hegseth’s tenure highlighting its reach into military and policy circles.
The preacher, Dr Benjamin Merkle, is a senior figure in CREC and president of New Saint Andrews College. He declined to confirm Hegseth’s attendance at the service, stating he did not want to “be weird.” The Pentagon also refused to comment on Hegseth’s presence.
Critics argue that Hegseth’s rhetoric, which frames the media as malicious adversaries, mirrors the theocratic agenda promoted by CREC, including restricting voting rights and criminalising LGBTQ+ expression. The Pentagon has not responded to requests for further clarification.
