The U.S. Navy Board of Inquiry has ruled in favor of former congressional candidate and Navy pilot Michael Cassidy, rejecting an effort to expel him over a misdemeanor vandalism charge. The 2-1 decision allows Cassidy to remain in the Navy, dealing a blow to Biden-era anti-extremism policies increasingly used against conservative service members.
Cassidy faced potential discharge for tearing down a publicly funded Satanic statue in the Iowa State Capitol. Navy leadership pursued the case under its anti-extremism policy, a broad and poorly-defined framework that has been weaponized against Christians in uniform.
Cassidy, a Navy reservist, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor vandalism but maintained that his actions were not extremist, violent, or a violation of military conduct standards. The Biden administration pushed for his removal anyway.
“As Christians in the military, as Christians in the public square, there are times when God calls upon us to do and say things that are consistent with our faith...,” Cassidy’s attorney, R. Davis Younts, said. “Not everyone is called to go and tear down an idol in a state capitol, but we are all called to advocate for biblical truths in the public square.”
The ruling raises serious concerns about how military leadership defines “extremism.” Cassidy’s attorney emphasized that the case highlights a troubling precedent of anti-christian bias.
Cassidy’s case is not just about our military’s policy concerning religion. Public Satanic displays have become a highlight in the culture war, with Iowa and Florida both rejecting new Satanic installations after Cassidy’s actions brought national attention to the issue.
"In 2024, the same group tried to put up the same statue in the Iowa state capitol, the state refused because of Michael's actions," Cassidy's attorney stated. "Other states followed suit. Florida has said no to this organization and Iowa said no for next year."
Cassidy’s attorney also pointed to the growing double standard, where left-wing activism within the military is encouraged, while conservative and Christian speech is punished. Testimony from his other clients, current and former service members reinforced this point, describing an environment where patriotism and faith are increasingly seen as liabilities.
“There are still some in the military—and we saw it in this board—that would never see themselves as discriminating against a Christian,” Cassidy’s attorney explained. “But they do have a bias... The lie the world tells about Christians is: It’s okay for you to believe that, it’s okay to go to church, but don’t ever let your beliefs impact the way you interact with the rest of the world. Leave it in the church on Sunday morning. Don’t bring it to the workplace, don’t bring it anywhere else.”
Now, with a Trump administration set to reenter the White House, the Pentagon’s anti-Christian policies may finally face serious scrutiny. Already, Trump has signed an executive order to review government policies targeting Christians.
The decision comes at a time of growing concern within the military that orthodox Christian beliefs are no longer consistent with military service or following orders.
Cassidy remains in the Navy, but his future is unclear. While he won the legal battle, Navy leadership will decide whether he can resume flying or return as an instructor. His team plans to push for complete reinstatement.
