MAGA-linked pastor Doug Wilson’s plan for a Christian theocracy

MAGA-linked pastor Doug Wilson’s plan for a Christian theocracy

From NPR's Newsmakers by NPR

July 7, 2026 · 42 min

About this episode

Doug Wilson discusses his vision for a Christian theocracy and its implications for women and non-Christians in the U.S.

Pastor Doug Wilson believes women should not be allowed to vote and homosexuality should be a crime. He was also invited to speak at the Pentagon this year. That controversial invitation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscores Wilson's growing influence in the Republican Party. Wilson is a self-described Christian nationalist who leads Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho — part of a small network of churches with locations including Washington, D.C. Wilson said he opened a D.C. church service because of the number of Christians who adhere to his church’s teachings within the Trump administration. One of the most prominent attendees is Hegseth. NPR's Leila Fadel sat down with Doug Wilson at his main church in Moscow, Idaho, to hear more about why he wants the U.S. to become a Christian theocracy and what that would mean for women and non-Christians in the country. This episode contains profanity and references sexual assault. NPR's Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available — any day of the week. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts so you always get the latest…

People in this episode

Host: Leila Fadel

Guest: Doug Wilson

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NPR, Christ Church

Places: Moscow, Idaho, Washington, D.C.

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