Women are just as likely as men to hold Christian nationalist views

February 20, 2026

A recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute reveals that approximately 30% of Americans identify with Christian nationalist beliefs, with support particularly strong among Republicans at 56%. Pastor Doug Wilson, who advocates for patriarchal society and criminalization of homosexuality, exemplifies this movement's growing political influence after being invited to preach at the Pentagon by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. While the proportion of Christian nationalism adherents has remained stable since 2022, their political influence has expanded significantly during Trump's second term through appointments and policy decisions aligning with their worldview.

Who is affected

Pastor Doug Wilson and his church network members
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
Approximately 30% of Americans (Christian nationalism adherents and sympathizers)
56% of Republicans, 25% of Independents, and 17% of Democrats who hold these views
Women in Christian nationalist communities, including stay-at-home mothers and submissive wives
Former members of Christian nationalist communities who left due to emotional or physical abuse
Americans in Southern and Midwestern states where these views are more prevalent
Conservative judges appointed by Trump
Communities affected by rolled-back DEI initiatives

What action is being taken

Pastor Doug Wilson is preaching at the Pentagon after being invited by Pete Hegseth
Trump is declaring a war on gender ideology
The administration is rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
Trump has created a task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias in the country
CNN Chief Investigative Correspondent Pamela Brown is premiering a documentary on Christian nationalism on Sunday
PRRI is conducting surveys and collecting data on Christian nationalism adherence

Why it matters

This matters because Christian nationalism represents a significant ideological movement that influences approximately one-third of Americans and has gained substantial political power, particularly within the Republican Party and Trump administration. The movement's vision fundamentally challenges democratic principles by advocating for policies based on a patriarchal, religiously-homogeneous society that would restrict rights for women, LGBTQ individuals, and other groups. Its growing influence in government, exemplified by high-level officials like the Defense Secretary belonging to these networks, means that policies reflecting Christian nationalist worldviews are being implemented at the federal level, affecting civil rights, gender equality, immigration policy, and the separation of church and state. The movement's appeal during times of uncertainty, combined with its institutional support through appointed judges and policy initiatives, suggests it will continue shaping American politics and culture in ways that could erode pluralistic democracy.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

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