President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegeseth, continued to press his case on Capitol Hill today, meeting with his first Democratic senator, Pennsylvania's John Federman.

Hegsteth has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking, and financial mismanagement, which he denies.

Larbarone Lopez is here now to discuss something else that's drawn scrutiny,

the influence of Hegset's religious beliefs.

Pete Hegeseth has said faith became real for him around 2018,

years after his service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He went on to write a number of books and has made frequent appearances

on conservative podcasts and shows, in which he discusses his Christian ideology. Those writings,

comments, and even Hegsseth's tattoos have gotten increased attention in the week since Trump's

announcement. For more on what's known about Hegsa's beliefs and how they may influence his

leadership at the Pentagon.

We're joined by Brad O'Nishi, who studies religious extremism and co-host the podcast,

Straight White American Jesus.

Brad, thank you so much for joining The News Hour.

Let's start with what Hegset has said explicitly.

In his 2020 book, he wrote, We don't want to fight, but like our fellow Christians,

1,000 years ago, we must. Our American Crusade is not about literal swords,

and our fight is not with guns yet.

What does this kind of language,

along with Hexeth's writings and other comments,

tell you about his beliefs?

Well, Hexseth puts himself in the category of an American crusader, drawing inspiration

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