Pete Hegseth Faces Backlash After Sharing Video Advocating Repeal of Women’s Voting Rights

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire after reposting a video featuring Christian nationalist pastors calling for the repeal of the 19th Amendment, which grants women the right to vote. The clip, originally from the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), shows preachers arguing that women should “submit” to their husbands and that voting rights for women should be eliminated.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host, shared the video on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “All of Christ for All of Life.” The move sparked immediate outrage online, with many questioning whether the Defense Secretary personally supports revoking women’s voting rights.

One viral response read:

“Not sure about you, but drunken hack Pete Hegseth endorsing Christian nationalist pastors claiming women should no longer be allowed to vote doesn’t sit well with me.”

Another user criticized Hegseth’s own personal history, noting his multiple divorces and infidelity, questioning his qualifications to lecture others on morality and leadership.

Lawmakers also condemned the post. New Mexico Representative Melanie Stanley said:

“This is the U.S. Secretary of Defense—confirmed by a Senate in which many women voted—sharing content advocating for women to not vote. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it. This is why we must organize and stay in the fight.”

Journalist Gretchen Carlson alleged that the church featured in the clip is the same one Hegseth attends. She called it “disgusting” and urged Americans to reject such beliefs. The Freedom From Religion Foundation accused Hegseth of promoting “a rallying cry for theocracy,” warning that the U.S. must remain a secular nation.

The backlash extended overseas. Former Australian senator Doug Cameron criticized Hegseth’s views as “medieval claptrap,” accusing him of promoting religious extremism and warmongering.

The CNN segment in the shared video prominently featured Doug Wilson, co-founder of CREC, alongside other ministers calling for the repeal of women’s voting rights.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell later told the Associated Press that Hegseth is “a proud member of a church” affiliated with CREC and “very much appreciates many of Mr. Wilson’s writings and teachings.”

Hegseth’s personal history has also drawn renewed scrutiny. He has admitted to being “a serial cheater” and, in 2017, reached a financial settlement with a woman who accused him of sexual assault.