Is Secretary Hegseth turning the U.S. military into a cult?

Thoughts from NSD member Jim Gallagher on a recent substack piece by Paul Krugman.

“Step number one in building a cult, identify the non-believers. In Hegseth's ‘military-cult’ it's the little things, like a vaccine shot, that can hurt your military career.

“How do you destroy the greatest fighting force on the planet? Hire Hegseth to lead it. 

“Does anyone really think Hegseth can lead a crusade? He sure is trying.”

To read the piece that inspired these comments, click here:

https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/cultifying-the-us-military

Photo: Defense Secretary Pete Hagseth with senior leadership listening to President Trump at Quantico, Sept 30, 2025. Photo by Evan Vucci/Associated Press