Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards – Part Two: Pete Hegseth's Fascist Book 'American Crusade'

Released on August 7, 2025 by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of Behind the Bastards, hosts Robert Evans and Jamie Loftus delve into Pete Hegseth's controversial book, 'American Crusade'. The discussion unpacks Hegseth's political trajectory, personal controversies, and the ideological underpinnings of his manifesto.

Pete Hegseth's Political Journey

Hegseth's 'American Crusade' is dissected as a fascist manifesto that outlines his vision for America. Originally a mainstream Republican, Hegseth's political stance shifted dramatically towards the far-right, heavily influenced by his alignment with Donald Trump.

Robert Evans [10:06]: "Hegseth was a more mainstream Republican in this period, although he is still very far right. He just didn't think Trump could win."

Hegseth admits to regressing politically after initially doubting Trump's viability, leading to his fervent support and eventual nomination for Secretary of Defense.

Analysis of 'American Crusade'

The book is structured into various chapters that outline a dystopian future should the left prevail in American politics. Key themes include:

• Political Extremism: Hegseth warns of a "national divorce" or total collapse if leftist ideologies dominate.

  Robert Evans [09:51]: "We can either die, we can have a national divorce, or we can have a new dawn."

• Islamophobia: He portrays Islam as inherently violent, misrepresenting Islamic texts and traditions.

  Robert Evans [50:30]: "The Hadith is not a holy book... Islam's tolerance during its expanding empire was significantly better than Christendom."

• Anti-Establishment Rhetoric: Emphasizes distrust in mainstream media and educational institutions.

Hegseth's narrative is criticized for its historical inaccuracies and propagandistic tone, offering little substantive policy insight.

Personal Controversies and Allegations

Hegseth's personal life is riddled with controversies that undermine his public persona:

• Marital Issues: Multiple marriages and allegations of infidelity.

  Robert Evans [85:14]: "In 2010, he married Samantha Dearing and later fathered a daughter with another woman while still married."

• Sexual Assault Allegations: A notable incident from 2017 involves a lawsuit where Hegseth was accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a Republican women's conference. The case was settled out of court with a confidentiality agreement.

  Robert Evans [80:53]: "Doe filed a sexual assault claim against him... He settles out of court with her in a civil suit."

• Substance Abuse: Repeated mentions of excessive drinking and partying, impacting his professional endeavors.

These personal failings are juxtaposed against his ideological stance, revealing a pattern of behavior inconsistent with his purported values.

Religious and Ideological Beliefs

Hegseth's conversion to fervent Christianity is portrayed as a strategic alignment rather than a genuine transformation:

• Christian Nationalism: Advocates for a theocratic governance structure, aligning closely with extremist religious ideologies.

  Robert Evans [73:12]: "American Crusade is a book that advocates for Christian theocracy."

• Misinterpretation of Islamic Texts: Critiques on Islam are based on distorted understandings of Islamic scriptures.

  Robert Evans [53:18]: "He misunderstands the Hadiths... Islam does acknowledge the Torah and the New Testament in its holy texts."

Hegseth's religious rhetoric often overlaps with his political agenda, promoting a vision of America deeply intertwined with his interpretation of Christian doctrine.

Hosts' Perspectives and Critique

Evans and Loftus provide a scathing analysis of Hegseth's work and character:

• Lack of Substance: The hosts argue that 'American Crusade' lacks concrete policy proposals, instead relying on fearmongering and divisive rhetoric.

  Jamie Loftus [07:02]: "This is anybody's game. Impossible to predict your policy on Iran based on this hot dog book."

• Inconsistencies and Hypocrisy: Highlight inconsistencies in Hegseth's narrative about his personal growth and ideological shifts.

  Robert Evans [24:52]: "He claims faith became real in 2018, aligning with his sudden embrace of Trumpism."

• Validation of Far-Right Conservatism: While critical, the hosts acknowledge that Hegseth's book reflects the broader conservative media landscape and its influence on political extremism.

  Robert Evans [49:23]: "It points out why the attempt to reach out to Republicans is so fundamentally doomed."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the dangers posed by figures like Pete Hegseth, whose blend of personal failings and extremist ideologies contribute to the erosion of democratic values. Evans and Loftus emphasize the importance of understanding and countering such narratives to prevent the further descent into authoritarianism.

Notable Quotes

• Robert Evans [10:06]: "Hegseth was a more mainstream Republican... he didn't think Trump could win."

• Jamie Loftus [07:02]: "This is anybody's game. Impossible to predict your policy on Iran based on this hot dog book."

• Robert Evans [49:23]: "It points out why the attempt to reach out to Republicans is so fundamentally doomed."

Please note that this summary is based on a transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and viewpoints expressed during the episode.