MPAC urges accountability for Peter Hegseth’s harmful remarks

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Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | December 2, 2024 — The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) would like to express our profound concern over statements made by Peter Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defense for the incoming administration.

During a work trip in 2015, while serving as an executive for Concerned Veterans for America, Hegseth is reported to have shouted, "Kill all Muslims!" on multiple occasions while intoxicated.

In 2019, Hegseth used his role to advocate, ([link removed]) then, President Trump to pardon Edward Gallagher; a Navy SEAL charged with several war crimes in 2018, including the killing of Muslim civilians in Mosul, and the stabbing of a muslim, teenage prisoner of war then taking a photograph with his corpse.

Now Hegseth is poised to serve as the next Secretary for the Department of Defense, which oversees 5,000 American Muslims in the armed forces.

Since 2016, we have seen an increase in anti-Muslim bias, with a 60% increase in complaints citing religious motivation.

It is vital that our leaders uphold the principles of tolerance, respect, and unity. The call for violence against any religious or ethnic group directly contradicts the core tenets of the Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and equality for all citizens. At a time when hate crimes against Muslims have risen sharply in recent years, we cannot afford to allow such harmful rhetoric to go unchecked, especially from someone being considered for a leadership role in our nation’s defense.

American Muslims voted for President Trump with the expectation that he would protect their interests and ensure their safety and dignity. These constituents deserve leaders who prioritize their well-being and uphold their rights. Hegseth’s nomination, however, undermines this trust. Until he publicly retracts his hateful statements and apologizes for advocating violence against Muslims, his nomination signals a betrayal of those Muslim voters and their rightful expectation of leadership that protects their interests.

Hegseth’s unapologetic sentiment towards violence against Muslims is deeply troubling as it not only disrespects the brave men and women who have fought for our nation, but also fuels a climate of hate and division that undermines the very values our military defends.

As an organization committed to promoting justice, equality, and inclusion, MPAC strongly believes that these remarks are not only bigoted, but could also provide inspiration for white supremacists and domestic terrorists ([link removed]) , who have long been deemed by our intelligence agencies as the top threat facing the country.

In light of these facts, we urge Peter Hegseth to retract his Islamophobic statement and publicly apologize for advocating for violence against Muslims.

It is essential that those entrusted with public office demonstrate the highest level of responsibility, and that they represent the diversity and values that make our nation strong.

We need your immediate support to hold Peter Hegseth accountable for his deeply troubling comments and actions. Here’s how you can help:
1. Join our Statement: Add your voice to our collective statement calling on Peter Hegseth to retract his anti-Muslim remarks, issue a public apology, and clarify his stance on violence against Muslims. Your leadership is crucial in making sure this issue is heard at the highest levels.
2. Contact the Trump Transition Team: Demand that the Trump transition team remove Hegseth from consideration for Secretary of Defense until he publicly apologizes for his hateful comments and clarifies his views. Send an email ([link removed]) or make a call to voice your concerns about Hegseth’s suitability for such a critical leadership role.
3. Pressure the Senate Armed Services Committee: We need you to contact members of the Senate Armed Services Committee ([link removed]) and urge them to ask Hegseth the following key questions during his confirmation hearing:
+ Do you stand by your comments calling for violence against Muslims?
+ How do you reconcile these statements with your potential role in overseeing Muslim service members?
+ What will you do to protect and promote inclusivity within the U.S. military?
4. Spread the Word: Share this call to action on social media, in your communities, and among your networks. The more voices that join in, the stronger our call will be to ensure this issue is addressed with the urgency it deserves.

It is essential that those entrusted with public office demonstrate the highest level of responsibility, and that they represent the diversity and values that make our nation strong.

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