Trump, Christianism and the US Military
TLDR
Cathy Young's article, "In Pete Hegseth's Totalitarian Vision, Opponents of Christian Nationalism Are Commies and Political Enemies," critiques Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense, as a dangerous ideologue promoting Christian nationalism and authoritarian governance. Through his writings and rhetoric, Hegseth presents political opponents as existential threats and advocates for a totalitarian approach to combat leftism, raising alarms about his fitness for such a powerful role in government.
Cathy Young examines Pete Hegseth's ideological positions, as articulated in his books, such as American Crusade and The War on Warriors. She highlights Hegseth's belief that the United States is locked in a cultural and political "holy war," where leftists are framed not as opponents but as enemies to be defeated. He frequently invokes militaristic and religious rhetoric, likening the cultural battle to the medieval Crusades and calling for an "American Crusade" to preserve Christianity's dominance in public life.
Hegseth's Christian nationalism is a cornerstone of his vision. He ties America's identity and educational foundations to Christianity, blaming progressive movements for severing these ties. While paying nominal respect to religious diversity, his rhetoric clearly prioritizes Christian dominance in governance, education, and culture. This worldview excludes secular perspectives and frames non-Christian ideologies as fundamentally un-American.
Young argues that Hegseth's views directly threaten democratic principles, particularly pluralism and political tolerance. His writings suggest an affinity for one-party rule, where liberty is achieved through the electoral and ideological defeat of the left. By labeling a broad range of groups—public educators, diversity advocates, and media organizations—as "Marxists" or "enemies," he widens the scope of what he considers disloyal or dangerous, further eroding the norms of democratic discourse.
Young also raises concerns about Hegseth's comfort with the idea of political violence. In his books, he glorifies the Crusades and implies that future conflicts with leftist forces may escalate into literal warfare. His defense of the January 6 insurrectionists and his portrayal of peaceful protesters as threats to national security underscore this troubling pattern.
Additionally, Young critiques Hegseth's selective interpretation of history to support his ideological positions. His romanticized portrayal of the Crusades and emphasis on Christian influences in America's founding ignore the complexity and diversity of historical realities, including the contributions of deists and secular thinkers like Jefferson and Franklin.
Finally, Young warns that Hegseth's appointment as Secretary of Defense would empower Trump's authoritarian ambitions. His loyalty to Trump, combined with his culture-war ideology and disregard for pluralistic values, makes him a dangerous choice for a position of such influence.
Concluding Reflections
Cathy Young presents Pete Hegseth as a figure whose ideology embodies the dangers of Christian nationalism and its alignment with authoritarian governance. His rhetoric, framing political opponents as existential threats and glorifying militaristic solutions, is deeply at odds with the principles of democracy. Young's analysis highlights the broader risks posed by such figures in positions of power, particularly in an administration already inclined toward undermining democratic norms.
Source: Cathy Young, "In Pete Hegseth's Totalitarian Vision, Opponents of Christian Nationalism Are Commies and Political Enemies," The UnPopulist, December 5, 2024.
