‘Separation of church & state doesn’t exist’ says Hegseth faith adviser

0 October 27, 2026 19:30

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s senior adviser for religious issues has shared scores of racist and homophobic posts, spread conspiracy theories, and repeatedly denigrated Islam and immigrants, a CNN investigation has found. Ryan Higgins has become a key aide to Hegseth since joining the Pentagon, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CNN, particularly in shaping the defense secretary’s embrace of Christian nationalist themes in speeches and public appearances.

On his social media platforms, CNN found Higgins defended a video President Donald Trump shared depicting the Obamas as apes, said same-sex marriage was “abominable,” and speculated about how many abortions former Vice President Kamala Harris might have had, citing her age and claiming she had a “long record of sleeping around.”

CNN senior investigative reporter Allison Gordon shares her reporting and Rep. Adam Smith of the Armed Services Committee reacts to Higgins’ posts.

0:00 CNN uncovers Higgins’ racist and homophobic posts
0:50 Higgins says "separation of church and state does not exist"
3:22 Adam Smith reacts to these posts
5:50 Could Hegseth be out after the midterms?

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