Washington, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing criticism after delivering a prayer at the Pentagon that called for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy,” during a religious service attended by military and civilian personnel.
The remarks were made at a Christian worship event held Wednesday, marking the first such service since the start of the Iran conflict. Hegseth said the prayer originated from a military chaplain and had been previously shared with troops in a separate context.
“Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” Hegseth said during the service, drawing attention for its forceful language tied to military action and faith.
The prayer follows recent changes announced by Hegseth to the military’s chaplain corps, including reducing recognized religious affiliations and shifting emphasis toward religious identity over rank insignia. He also criticized the chaplain corps for what he described as excessive focus on “self-help” rather than faith.
Advocacy groups and some veterans have raised concerns about the increasing role of religion within the Defense Department, warning it could create divisions within the military and raise questions about religious neutrality in government institutions.
Legal challenges have also emerged, with organizations seeking records related to Pentagon prayer services and whether they comply with federal guidelines on religious freedom.
The Pentagon has not indicated any changes to the program as scrutiny continues.
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