1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

Demand U.S. Leaders Recognize Religious Neutrality in their Official Statements I am writing to express concern about recent remarks by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, delivered in his official capacity, describing nations at a multinational gathering as “Christian nations under God.” When a cabinet official speaks in an official role, he represents the United States government. Language framing the U.S. and its allies in explicitly Christian terms raises serious concerns under the Establishment Clause. The Constitution requires the government to remain neutral toward religion. Describing the United States and its partners as “Christian nations” risks implying that citizens of other faiths—or none—are outsiders in the political community, including those serving in our armed forces. Such rhetoric may also have diplomatic consequences. The United States military includes service members of many faiths, and many of our allies have religiously diverse populations and secular governments. Official statements that frame international partnerships in sectarian terms risk undermining both constitutional principles at home and relationships abroad. I respectfully ask that you: 1 Reaffirm Congress’s commitment to the First Amendment and government religious neutrality. 2 Seek clarification from Secretary Hegseth regarding his understanding of his constitutional obligations when speaking in an official capacity. 3 Encourage the Department of Defense to clarify that the United States does not define itself as a “Christian nation” and that all service members and citizens are equal regardless of religion. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I would appreciate a written response explaining how you intend to address these concerns.