By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a CNN report on X profiling Douglas Wilson, a self-described Christian nationalist pastor, and his movement which promotes a patriarchal society. The report details Wilson’s views on women’s roles, including their submission to men and the belief that they should not vote, which led to backlash on social media. Criticism has been leveled at Hegseth for promoting these controversial viewpoints, with many users expressing concern over the implications of his endorsement. The report also highlighted Wilson’s stance on same-sex marriage and his perspective on slavery, adding further fuel to the controversy.
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Pete Hegseth just shared a video that says women shouldn’t vote, and it’s a moment that’s understandably sparking a lot of reactions.
The sentiment, as it seems, isn’t entirely unexpected. Many see it as a direct result of a broader movement – some call it the “Christian Nationalist” takeover of America, referencing Project 2025. This project, as understood, aims to reshape the country along specific ideological lines. This kind of stance is, to some, a worrying indicator of where certain figures stand. The concern is that this perspective, which includes the potential marginalization of women, is gaining traction, echoing a desire to return to older, less inclusive social structures. This, of course, raises the specter of what are perceived as efforts to drive people out of the military or generally limit the rights of women.
The video itself seems to reference a specific vision of society. This vision is said to be “patriarchal,” where men hold dominant roles, and women are expected to be subordinate to their husbands. In this view, women are sometimes seen primarily as vessels for reproduction, with the role of “chief executive of the home” being their main contribution. This view, where women’s roles are defined within the confines of the home, is a stark contrast to the ideals of modern society, where women are encouraged to take on whatever role they like.
The historical context, as it has been mentioned, is important here. Women in the United States did not have the right to vote until 1920. The comments, therefore, show that people want to return to the period before the Nineteenth Amendment. This sentiment seems to be echoed by a Republican woman running for office who allegedly thinks women shouldn’t hold office in general, instead suggesting that women should manage the home. The video that Hegseth shared reflects a perspective where women’s roles are primarily confined to the home and their influence in society is severely limited.
This is, to some, just the latest development in what’s perceived as a coordinated effort. The idea that Trump and Hegseth, and those associated with them, are on a mission to erase women from positions of power in the military and beyond, as well as remove women from voting. There is a clear sense that this isn’t a sudden shift, but a continuation of existing trends.
The political implications of this statement are also far-reaching, and are something that many have discussed. Republicans, in particular, are being criticized for what is perceived as an effort to suppress voting, and they are accused of working to dismantle voting rights. The potential for removing amendments that have secured women’s voting rights, and other legislation, is being highlighted. This, in essence, is viewed as a step toward a more autocratic society.
The economic ramifications are also of interest. The question of taxation is being raised: if women are not supposed to vote, should they still be expected to pay taxes? The implication being that if women’s contributions are seen as primarily domestic, their financial contributions to society might be questioned. The question of the future, and how the economy could be sustained with only men being employed, is also being asked.
There’s also the worry that this stance is appealing to some women. The concern is that some women, as supporters of a specific political movement, are being drawn to traditional gender roles and a more restricted view of women’s place in society. This, in the minds of some, is a betrayal of the freedoms and opportunities that women have fought for.
Overall, this situation is being viewed as a dangerous development. It’s seen as an attempt to return to a time when women were not considered equal citizens. It is a challenge to fundamental rights, and has the potential to deeply alter the American way of life. This is a moment, and a movement, that is being watched with a mixture of concern and, in some cases, anger. The future, in this scenario, is uncertain.