Hegseth’s Pentagon Prayer Bombshell

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ignites a bold revival of America’s Judeo-Christian heritage with a standing-room-only prayer service at the Pentagon, defying leftist media cries of “Christian nationalism” in President Trump’s second term.

Story Highlights

Hegseth leads voluntary “In God We Trust” Christian worship in the Pentagon auditorium during work hours, praising Trump as divinely appointed.
Event features Pastor Brooks Potteiger; Hegseth commits to monthly recurrences, invoking God’s providence for warriors and leaders.
Pentagon defends as American tradition from Washington onward, countering media attacks from NYT, MSNBC, CNN labeling it unconstitutional.
Franklin Graham praises Hegseth’s stand for Christ; aligns with Trump policies ending DEI, transgender mandates, restoring religious liberty.
Revives historical faith expressions like Washington’s prayers, contrasting Biden-era secular overreach that frustrated conservatives.

Pentagon Prayer Service Details

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth organized a 30-minute Christian prayer and worship service titled “In God We Trust” on a Wednesday morning in the Pentagon’s auditorium during working hours. Pastor Brooks Potteiger from Hegseth’s Tennessee church delivered the main message to a standing-room-only crowd. Hegseth praised President Trump as a divinely appointed leader and stressed national prayer amid challenges facing warriors. Attendance remained fully voluntary, distinguishing it from routine military chapel services. This official venue event amplified its significance in a high-security government setting.

Historical Roots and Trump Administration Context

The service draws directly from U.S. founding traditions of public faith, including George Washington’s prayers at Valley Forge and his 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation acknowledging Almighty God. The Continental Congress endorsed the Aitken Bible in 1782, and Lincoln’s second inaugural invoked Scripture multiple times. America’s national motto “In God We Trust” appeared on currency since 1864 and became official in 1956. In Trump’s second term, this aligns with policies reinstating discharged servicemembers, eliminating DEI and transgender initiatives in the military, and halting abortion-related travel expenses. These steps restore religious liberty after years of leftist erosion under Biden.

Hegseth’s Defiant Response to Media Backlash

Immediately after the service, Hegseth posted on X announcing the monthly tradition: “It’s called: ‘In God We Trust.’ Since our founding, America’s leaders—and warriors—have sought God’s providence… At the Pentagon, we will humbly continue this sacred tradition—each and every month.” The Pentagon’s Acting Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson defended it, stating, “Beseeching the Almighty has been an American tradition since George Washington… One Nation under God.” Media outlets like The New York Times published four-page reports, while MSNBC and CNN quoted experts calling it a First Amendment violation and Christian nationalism.

Hegseth remarked, “This is precisely where I need to be… recognizing the providence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Evangelist Franklin Graham supported via social media, praising Hegseth’s stand for Christ and receiving an invitation to future services. This pushback rejects secularist demands, echoing conservative frustrations with government overreach that sidelined faith during the Biden years.

Stakeholder Support and Criticisms

Key supporters include President Trump, whose administration enables such events, and military personnel valuing morale boosts through prayer. Critics like retired Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham claim Hegseth puts official weight behind a religious event, while law professors via CNN label it a clear Establishment Clause breach. MSNBC’s Steve Benen decries inappropriate government resource use tied to nationalism fears. Conservative outlets like Daily Citizen celebrate it as voluntary and historically grounded, reinforcing traditional values against woke agendas that divided the military.

Hegseth holds decision-making authority at the Pentagon, amplified by Trump’s influence, countering media and legal challengers. This dynamic bolsters evangelical reinforcement while addressing troop cohesion post-DEI purges.

Implications for Military Culture and Beyond

Short-term effects include media polarization and potential legal challenges over coercion claims, though voluntary status holds firm. Long-term, it normalizes Christian events in the Department of Defense, shifting culture amid Trump’s faith-integrated policies like transgender bans. Pro-faith troops gain morale uplift; secular critics raise inclusion concerns. Politically, it strengthens Trump’s base, tying to anti-globalist, limited-government principles conservatives champion. Broader impacts signal precedents for other agencies, countering past overspending and family-value erosions. Limited exact date details exist, but recency in 2026 confirms ongoing tradition amid no factual disputes.