Pete Hegseth’s Pastor Agrees That Christians Can Pray for God to Destroy ‘Enemy’ James Talarico ‘by Any Means Necessary’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s longtime mentor and family pastor is facing intense scrutiny following a podcast appearance where he and a host discussed the “death” of Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico. The incident has reignited concerns regarding the influence of Christian nationalism within the highest levels of the Pentagon.

Brooks Potteiger, leader of the Nashville-based Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship, appeared on the Reformation Red Pill podcast on March 16. During the episode, host Joshua Haymes—a former intern under Potteiger—labeled Talarico a “demon” and a “snake.” Haymes stated, “I pray that God kills him,” later clarifying he sought a spiritual death leading to conversion.

Potteiger, who Hegseth has described as a primary mentor for his family, nodded in agreement during the exchange. He referenced “imprecatory psalms”—scriptures that call for God’s judgment on enemies—and replied, “We want him crucified with Christ.”

Pentagon Defends Hegseth’s Circle

The Pentagon dismissed the controversy. Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson accused the media of “deliberately twisting” Potteiger’s words to advance a partisan narrative. However, the connection between the Defense Secretary and Potteiger is well-documented; Hegseth recently invited Potteiger to preach at a “Secretary of Defense Christian Prayer & Worship Service” at the Pentagon.

Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian, responded to the remarks on X: “You may pray for my death, Pastor, but I still love you. Christian Nationalism kills.”

Broader Christian Nationalist Ties

The controversy extends beyond Potteiger. In February, Hegseth hosted Pastor Doug Wilson at the Pentagon. Wilson, a co-founder of the denomination to which Potteiger belongs, has publicly advocated for a “Christian republic” that would ban same-sex relationships and restrict voting rights for women.

Hegseth’s leadership comes at a volatile moment for U.S. foreign policy. As he directs military operations against Iran—strikes that have reportedly killed more than 2,000 people across the Middle East—he has increasingly used religious rhetoric. Last week, Hegseth urged Americans to pray for troops “in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Vetting and Ideology

Hegseth’s ideological leanings have been a point of contention since his appointment. His tattoos, including the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” (God wills it), previously led to his removal from National Guard duty during the 2021 Inauguration over concerns of extremist symbolism.

Potteiger defended his comments on March 24, asserting he was praying for Talarico’s conversion rather than physical harm. Meanwhile, Talarico continues his campaign for the Texas Senate, where he will face either Senator John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton following a Republican runoff scheduled for May 2026.