7am The Holy Warrior leading Trump’s War
Mar 26, 2026
Steve Herman, former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, brings sharp analysis of Pete Hegseth, U.S. militarism, and Christian nationalism. He traces Hegseth’s TV-ready persona, evangelical influences, and the push to recast the military as a culture war force. Herman also flags how religion and media spectacle shape debates around Iran and wartime messaging.
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Hegseth's Job Is Cultural Warfare In The Pentagon
- Pete Hegseth is positioned to wage a cultural fight inside the Pentagon, prioritising 'warrior culture' over diversity initiatives.
- Steve Herman cites Hegseth's Fox persona and long-standing opposition to DEI as the basis for returning the Pentagon to 'lethality' and meritocracy.
God Squad To Fox Pundit
- At Princeton Hegseth published a conservative magazine and joined a religious athlete circle called the 'God Squad', opposing campus diversity programs.
- On Fox he amplified that crusade, blaming social-justice Pentagon policies for undermining combat readiness.
TV Presence And Loyalty Trump Experience
- Donald Trump favours appointees he sees on TV and who mirror his rhetoric, valuing loyalty and media-friendly presentation over traditional military credentials.
- Herman notes Trump trusts figures like Hegseth as non-leakers who appeal to the enlisted ranks rather than generals.