When Pete Hegseth faced the Senate to become Donald Trump’s defense secretary, he was grilled on everything from his lack of experience and his drinking to past controversial remarks – including that women should not serve in combat roles.

But the hearing also made something else clear: Hegseth wasn’t just being chosen to run the Pentagon in the ordinary sense. He was being chosen to wage a cultural and ideological battle inside it – to bring what he called “warrior culture” back to an institution he and Trump believed had gone “woke”.

Today, former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, Steve Herman, on the face of America’s new militarism and the role of Christian nationalism in the Trump administration.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, Steve Herman

Photo: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

When Pete Hegseth faced the Senate to become Donald Trump&rsquo;s defense secretary, he was grilled on everything from his lack of experience and his drinking to past controversial remarks &ndash; including that women should not serve in combat roles.
But the hearing also made something else clear: Hegseth wasn&rsquo;t just being chosen to run the Pentagon in the ordinary sense. He was being chosen to wage a cultural and ideological battle inside it &ndash; to bring what he called &ldquo;warrior culture&rdquo; back to an institution he and Trump believed had gone &ldquo;woke&rdquo;.
Today, former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, Steve Herman, on the face of America&rsquo;s new militarism and the role of Christian nationalism in the Trump administration.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, Steve Herman
Photo:&nbsp;AP Photo/Alex Brandon

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

The Holy Warrior leading Trump’s War

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