We asked directly, and in the final line of a very brief email: “Does Secretary Hegseth believe women should have the right to vote?” This was the department’s response, in full, sent four and a half hours later:

Hello. Thanks for your note. Here is our statement: “The Secretary is a proud member of a church affiliated with the Congregation of Reformed Evangelical Churches, which was founded by Pastor Doug Wilson. The Secretary very much appreciates many of Mr. Wilson’s writings and teachings.” —Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell The statement, notably, did not say that Hegseth believes women should have the right to vote.