Tuesday Evening, November 3, 2026

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DISTRESSED MRFF CLIENTS CORROBORATE

THE NEW REPUBLIC ARTICLE:

PETE HEGSETH MAKES OVER HALF THE MILITARY WANT TO QUIT EARLY



"MRFF has been literally inundated with desperate client calls from active duty, reserve, and guard armed forces members requesting immediate assistance from the Foundation."

—Quote from Mikey Weinstein's Statement Below

Pete Hegseth

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore

THE NEW REPUBLIC

MRFF RECOMMENDED READING


Pete Hegseth Makes Over Half

the Military Want to Quit Early


A stunning poll revealed a majority of

active-duty service members are eyeing the exits.


By: Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling


Monday, November 2, 2026

(MRFF's Summation of Article)


The article reports that growing political involvement in the U.S. military under the Trump administration is causing many active-duty service members to consider leaving. A survey by Common Defense Civic Engagement found that 53% of respondents wanted to leave because of increasing politicization, while 45% said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s policy changes and the resulting instability had made them consider leaving earlier than planned. Additionally, 67% believed recent military decisions were being made for political reasons rather than military readiness.


The survey also found significant disapproval of both Trump and Hegseth, while most respondents still approved of their uniformed commanders. Military veterans and advocates warn that political interference could damage morale, retention, and overall readiness, especially at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran are rising.

Mikey Weinstein's Statement in Response to:

Pete Hegseth Makes Over

Half the Military Want to Quit Early


Monday, November 2, 2026

“In the time since the Christian nationalist coward Hegseth has been the Secretary of Defense, MRFF has been literally inundated with desperate client calls from active duty, reserve, and guard armed forces members requesting immediate assistance from the Foundation. As always, they are dutifully trying to find a way to fulfill their military duties and responsibilities when faced with the top-down, brutal and wicked oppression of Christian nationalism and its attendant bigotry, prejudice, and hatred.


The majority are terribly distraught and bereft of any reasonable alternative other than their tragic consideration of resigning their commissions or enlistments prior to receiving otherwise promised veterans and retirement benefits. They fear not just for their careers, but the future of their families and nation.



It is not merely “politicizing” the military by Hegseth, but his incalculable, wholly unconstitutional malfeasance in attempting to Christian nationalize the military which is ripping asunder the good order, morale, discipline, and unit cohesion of our once proud force. Indeed, Hegseth’s essentially mandatory, monthly "Jesus Praise Services," held in the Pentagon's largest auditorium during the duty day and in uniform and televised on internal Pentagon Channel Number 2, is a perfect example of this criminal's pervasive and pernicious pattern and practice of Illicit, immoral and illegal fundamentalist Christian extremism, supremacy, and tyranny.”

—Mikey Weinstein, Founder and President

Military Religious Freedom Foundation

NEWSBREAK

COVERS MRFF


Hegseth Says Department of War Will Not Make Troops Choose “Between the Uniform and Your Calling” as He Launches the Chaplain In-Service Procurement Program


(The article quotes Mikey Weinstein's

comments in USA Today, 9/30/26)


By: David Patrick


Saturday, October 31, 2026

(MRFF's Summation of Article)


Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a new Chaplain In-Service Procurement Program allowing active-duty military personnel to earn graduate theological degrees while retaining their military pay, benefits, and status. Although Hegseth describes the initiative as strengthening military chaplaincy and spiritual readiness, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), led by founder Mikey Weinstein, strongly condemns Hegseth's broader religious initiatives. In comments to USA Today, Weinstein characterized his actions as "immoral, unethical and unconstitutional." MRFF's concerns center on what it views as the growing influence of Christianity within the military, potentially undermining religious neutrality and the constitutional rights of non-Christian and nonreligious service members.


The article also highlights concerns about Hegseth's new Office of Religious Affairs, revised religious affiliation classifications that eliminate certain nontraditional faith categories, and other chaplaincy policy changes. Weinstein's criticism reflects MRFF's broader concern that the military must protect the religious freedom of every service member rather than promote or privilege particular religious beliefs.

 

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