The Pentagon issued a statement on Thursday affirming Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s stance in support of women’s suffrage, despite his recent sharing of a CNN report featuring religious leaders advocating for the repeal of the 19th Amendment. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote in the United States. Hegseth’s seemingly contradictory actions raised questions about his personal beliefs regarding women’s voting rights.

In the initial report shared by Hegseth, religious leaders expressed their willingness to support the repeal of the 19th Amendment. However, the Pentagon clarified that this does not reflect Secretary Hegseth’s own views on the matter. The statement aimed to address any potential confusion stemming from Hegseth’s sharing of the CNN segment.

Unnamed sources within the Pentagon emphasized that Secretary Hegseth has consistently advocated for gender equality and women’s rights, including their right to participate in the democratic process through voting. While the content of the shared video might have suggested otherwise, the Pentagon’s clarification sought to underscore Hegseth’s commitment to upholding women’s suffrage.

The incident highlights the delicate balance public figures like Secretary Hegseth must navigate in the digital age, where the sharing of content can inadvertently convey unintended messages. Despite the momentary controversy, Hegseth’s track record and public statements align with the principles of gender equality and the importance of women’s participation in civic affairs.

In response to inquiries about the apparent discrepancy between the shared video and Hegseth’s stated support for women’s right to vote, neither Secretary Hegseth nor his representatives have issued further comments. The Pentagon’s clarification stands as the official position regarding Hegseth’s views on women’s suffrage, emphasizing the distinction between his personal beliefs and the content he chooses to share online.