Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led his first monthly Christian worship service at the Pentagon since the Iran war began, praying for 'every round to find its mark' against adversaries. The service, livestreamed to a wider audience, included a prayer attributed to a military chaplain, calling for 'overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.' Hegseth also quoted Psalms, declaring, 'I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed.'
Hegseth frequently invokes his evangelical faith as head of the armed forces, often portraying the U.S. as a Christian nation confronting its foes. His remarks have drawn scrutiny, particularly his past defense of the Crusades and his emphasis on military might in religious contexts. Pentagon aides and supporters cite historical precedents, such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's support for distributing Bibles to troops and George Washington's push to establish the military chaplain corps.
Critics argue Hegseth's rhetoric goes beyond standard calls for divine blessing, explicitly invoking Jesus Christ in prayers. The service occurred amid ongoing global conflicts, including the Iran war, raising questions about the intersection of faith and military leadership.