Bulwark Takes: In-Depth Summary of "Pete Hegseth Shares Bizarre Video About Banning Women from Voting, ‘Submission’ to Men"

Release Date: August 9, 2025
Host: The Bulwark Team (including Tim Miller and Pete Hegseth)
Podcast Title: Bulwark Takes
Episode Title: Pete Hegseth Shares Bizarre Video About Banning Women from Voting, “Submission” to Men

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Tim Miller engages in a critical discussion with Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, focusing on recent controversial actions and statements made by Hegseth. The conversation delves into Hegseth's advocacy for Christian nationalism, his stance on women's rights, his personal conduct, and his support for Confederate monuments—all juxtaposed against pressing global military concerns.

1. Religious Expression and Separation of Church and State

[00:33] Tim Miller:
Tim opens the discussion by addressing a tweet from Hegseth that reads, "All of Christ for all of life." He acknowledges Hegseth's right to personal faith but questions the appropriateness of such religious expressions from a high-ranking military official.

[01:18] Tim Miller:

"I think it's a little strange, kind of for the Secretary of Defense to be doing that. Like it posting, you know, kind of Christmaxing, if you will."

The conversation highlights the tension between personal religious beliefs and the constitutional principle of separating church and state, especially within the military leadership.

2. Advocacy for Christian Nationalism and Repeal of Women's Voting Rights

[02:11] Tim Miller:
Tim introduces a CNN segment featuring Doug Wilson, a prominent Christian nationalist advocating for a patriarchal society. Wilson suggests that the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, should be repealed.

[02:44] Doug Wilson:

"There are some who have gone so far as to say that they want the 19th amendment repealed."

[03:02] Doug Wilson:

"He is the head of our household, yes."

Hegseth's tweet endorsing Wilson's views raises alarms about the potential influence of Christian nationalist ideology within the Department of Defense, suggesting a regression to outdated and discriminatory policies regarding women's rights and societal roles.

3. Patriarchal Views and Gender Submission

[03:18] Tim Miller:
Tim critiques the notion of household-based voting, where men are seen as the primary decision-makers, undermining women's autonomy.

[03:54] Tim Miller:

"This is disgusting."

The hosts express profound concern over the blatant dismissal of gender equality, emphasizing that such views are incompatible with modern democratic and military values.

4. Pete Hegseth's Personal Conduct and Hypocrisy

[06:19] Tim Miller:
The discussion shifts to Hegseth's personal life, revealing allegations of sexual misconduct, multiple marriages, and settlements paid out to accusers.

[07:06] Pete Miller:

"Even in Pete's telling of the story, he's hammered. He is having sex with a married woman in her hotel room while he's married to a second wife, while his third wife is pregnant."

This segment underscores a perceived hypocrisy between Hegseth's public advocacy for traditional Christian morals and his private behavior, casting doubt on the sincerity of his beliefs and his suitability for a leadership role in the military.

5. Support for Confederate Monuments Amid Global Conflicts

[08:55] Pete Miller:
Hegseth's efforts to reinstate Confederate monuments at Arlington National Cemetery are scrutinized, especially given ongoing international conflicts and military commitments.

[10:23] Pete Miller:

"And so anyway, why do we need to do this? Why do we... We're gonna reanimate the Confederates once again."

The hosts question the appropriateness of prioritizing historical symbols associated with treason and racism over addressing current military and geopolitical challenges, labeling Hegseth's actions as misplaced and troubling.

6. Exclusion of Transgender Individuals from the Military

[11:37] Tim Miller:
They briefly touch upon Hegseth's policies excluding transgender men from military service, further highlighting his administration's regressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues.

[11:47] Tim Miller:

"Who are trans."

The exclusionary policies are critiqued as being out of step with contemporary values of inclusivity and equality within the armed forces.

Conclusion

In this episode, Bulwark Takes presents a scathing critique of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, focusing on his alignment with Christian nationalist ideology, his derogatory views on women, questionable personal conduct, and contentious support for Confederate symbols. The hosts argue that these positions are not only divisive but also divert attention from critical military responsibilities and global security issues. Through specific quotes and timestamped references, the discussion provides listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the concerns surrounding Hegseth's leadership and the broader implications for the Department of Defense.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Miller ([02:31]):

  "It's not really kind of a view of honoring the humanity of women and the importance of women to me. So that's where we're at."

• Doug Wilson ([02:58]):

  "They're just a vessel."

• Tim Miller ([04:00]):

  "This is disgusting."

• Pete Miller ([07:06]):

  "Even in Pete's telling of the story, he's hammered."

• Tim Miller ([10:16]):

  "And so anyway, why do we need to do this? Why do we... We're gonna reanimate the Confederates once again."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared in the episode, offering listeners a clear understanding of the contentious issues surrounding Pete Hegseth's role and statements without needing to reference the original podcast.