Overview
- In recent appearances, Hegseth recited Psalm 144, labeled Iranian leaders "religious fanatics," and told 60 Minutes he trusts in "the providence of our almighty God" to protect U.S. troops.
- The AP reports he has organized monthly voluntary Christian services at the Pentagon and featured Bible verses in official videos, prompting concerns about eroding the military’s nonsectarian norms.
- Viral claims that commanders told troops the war fulfills biblical prophecy remain unverified; they stem from a single watchdog’s allegations that spurred 30 House Democrats to seek an inspector general inquiry, and other groups said they have not received similar complaints.
- As defense secretary, Hegseth has advanced policies reflecting conservative Christian priorities, including banning transgender service, curtailing diversity initiatives, reviewing women’s combat roles, and pursuing chaplaincy reforms after scrapping the 2025 Spiritual Fitness Guide.
- Religious and civil-society critics, including Cardinal Robert McElroy and scholar Matthew D. Taylor, warn the framing risks inflaming tensions and press for a cease-fire in Iran, while Hegseth praised Gulf Arab partners and has not said the war fulfills prophecy.