Last week, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gathered hundreds of service members at a base in Virginia to lay out his vision for the American military.

Alongside sweeping changes to the way it fights and trains, Hegseth announced a new Office of Religious Affairs – reporting directly to him – aimed at putting what he calls “spiritual health” on the same level as physical health.

It’s the clearest sign yet of how Hegseth’s evangelical Christianity is shaping the Pentagon and religious policy across the armed forces.

Earlier this year, we looked at the beliefs driving Hegseth’s push to remake the military – and why Donald Trump chose him to wage a cultural and ideological battle inside it, bringing so-called “warrior culture” back to an institution they believed had gone “woke”.

Today, former Voice of America Chief National Correspondent Steve Herman on Pete Hegseth, Christian nationalism and the religious worldview reshaping the US military.

This episode first aired in March, 2026.

 

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

 

Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram

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

Photo: Alex Wong/Pool Photo via AP

Last week, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gathered hundreds of service members at a base in Virginia to lay out his vision for the American military.
Alongside sweeping changes to the way it fights and trains, Hegseth announced a new Office of Religious Affairs &ndash; reporting directly to him &ndash; aimed at putting what he calls &ldquo;spiritual health&rdquo; on the same level as physical health.
It&rsquo;s the clearest sign yet of how Hegseth&rsquo;s evangelical Christianity is shaping the Pentagon and religious policy across the armed forces.
Earlier this year, we looked at the beliefs driving Hegseth&rsquo;s push to remake the military &ndash; and why Donald Trump chose him to wage a cultural and ideological battle inside it, bringing so-called &ldquo;warrior culture&rdquo; back to an institution they believed had gone &ldquo;woke&rdquo;.
Today, former Voice of America Chief National Correspondent Steve Herman on Pete Hegseth, Christian nationalism and the religious worldview reshaping the US military.
This episode first aired in March, 2026.
&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;Alex Wong/Pool Photo via AP

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.

The Holy Warrior leading Trump's war

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