Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth invoked America’s military history while reflecting on the country’s 250th anniversary. Hegseth highlighted generations of Americans who volunteered to fight different enemies, saying: “Send me to fight the Redcoats. Send me to fight the Communists. Send me to fight the Nazis. Send me to fight the Islamists.”
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked controversy with his statement about fighting red shirts, communists and Islamists, using Bible verses as inspiration. His speech at the Quantico military base included plans to establish an Office of Religious Affairs at the Pentagon.