Left-wing media distorts a biblical prayer for spiritual conversion into a “death threat” against Democrat James Talarico, smearing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the process.
Story Snapshot
- Evangelical Pastor Brooks Potteiger, Hegseth’s spiritual adviser, joined a podcast praying imprecatory psalms for Talarico’s heart to “die” to sin and convert like the Apostle Paul.
- Left outlets like San Antonio Current frame this as a literal call for murder, ignoring explicit spiritual context of “crucified with Christ.”
- Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian who called God “nonbinary” and Christian nationalism “heresy,” won Texas Democratic Senate primary by 150,000 votes.
- Hegseth promotes voluntary Pentagon prayer services amid war with Iran, drawing attacks from critics who fear traditional faith in government.
- This smear divides faithful conservatives weary of endless wars and media lies, echoing frustrations with government overreach and eroded values.
Podcast Prayer Targets Talarico’s Theology
Pastor Brooks Potteiger appeared on the Reformation Red Pill podcast hosted by Joshua Haymes. They prayed imprecatory psalms against Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. Haymes stated, “I pray that God kills him,” specifying spiritual death of his sinful heart for conversion to Christ. Potteiger agreed, saying, “We want him crucified with Christ” and hoped Talarico becomes “Talarico of Tarsus” like Paul. They called Talarico a “wolf,” “demon,” and “snake” for his views.
Left Media Spins Spiritual Rhetoric as Violence
San Antonio Current headlined “Pete Hegseth’s Pastor Wants James Talarico to Die.” MEXC News claimed a “dark threat” to the Senate candidate. These outlets cite HuffPost and Right Wing Watch, framing biblical language as literal violence. Sources highlight “stop him by any means necessary” if unrepentant, but ignore the prayer’s Pauline theology of dying to self. This distorts evangelical practice into extremism to attack Hegseth’s church ties.
Talarico’s Attacks Ignite Evangelical Response
Talarico, a state representative and seminarian, went viral on Stephen Colbert criticizing Christian nationalism as “worship of power in the name of Christ” and a “betrayal of Jesus.” He positioned against it in his Senate run, claiming “God is nonbinary.” CBS allegedly censored the clip at Trump FCC chairman Brendan Carr’s behest, sparking spread. Talarico won the Democratic primary over Rep. Jasmine Crockett by over 150,000 votes, boosting his anti-nationalism profile.
Hegseth’s Faith Leadership Under Fire
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a member of Potteiger’s Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship in the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast calling America a “Christian nation.” He hosted Doug Wilson at Pentagon prayer services for troop spiritual readiness amid the Iran war. Critics like Baptist minister Brian Kaylor decry this as “baptizing U.S. military in Christian nationalism.” Potteiger’s network holds firm views on patriarchy and pro-ICE stances, clashing with Talarico’s progressive theology.
The Left Is Lying About Hegseth Pastor's Remarks Concerning James Talarico
https://t.co/F2cZdF6Z7w— Townhall Updates (@TownhallUpdates) March 25, 2026
Implications for Conservatives in Wartime
This deepens religious divides as MAGA supporters question endless regime change wars like Iran’s, high energy costs, and Trump’s promise to avoid new conflicts. Evangelicals defend theological purity against Talarico’s heresy claims, but left media uses it to erode conservative values and family principles. It risks backlash against Hegseth, challenging evangelical influence in the GOP and military during national strain. Talarico gains visibility for his Senate race against John Cornyn.
Sources:
Talarico Versus Hegseth on Christian Nationalism
Pete Hegseth’s Pastor Wants James Talarico to Die
James Talarico’s Campaign Is Breaking The Brains of American Evangelicals
Hegseth’s Pastor Delivers Dark Threat to Dem Senate Candidate
