Hegseth prays at Pentagon service for ‘overwhelming violence’ against enemies
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Pentagon Defense Secretary prayed for 'overwhelming violence' against enemies at official military worship service.
AI Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prayed at a Pentagon Christian worship service Wednesday for "overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy," marking his first religious service at the Pentagon since the Iran war began. The prayer came after Hegseth announced plans to overhaul the military's chaplain corps, which he said had been "watered down." The remarks reflect Hegseth's approach to military leadership and religious expression within the Defense Department, a shift from previous administrations' more secular approach to Pentagon services. The service drew attention as Hegseth has previously signaled support for a more explicitly Christian military chaplaincy program. The defense secretary's language underscores a broader effort to reshape Pentagon culture and military chaplaincy toward his stated vision.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsAt Pentagon Christian service, Hegseth prays for violence 'against those who deserve no mercy' - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqwFBVV95cUxOeDlCUjk4MTlrUjNJQW1jS2NodjB4U2pPWVBaZHBrWU9jTmZ2VFFOS2JrbW91RE5sZlprN3JZSXplLWZvdDg0YkJSclR4MFNiWVpDM0xqaWljSFBMeEg2ZUpRZHQ0eEFUbmlXTXZ4X0M1MkZ2Y2ZCYXpIN2dNRUk3Xy1VMzZRY1BWbWN3MGRxdU8zQzFvRFpTU3RPU2hueTZwQy1XOFI2Z1ZZbDA?oc=5" target="_blank">At Pentagon Christian service, Hegseth prays for violence 'against those who deserve no mercy'</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
National SecurityAt Pentagon Christian service, Hegseth prays for violence 'against those who deserve no mercy'
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hosted a monthly Christian prayer and worship service at the Pentagon, the first since the Iran war began.
PoliticsHegseth prays at service for violence against ‘those who deserve no mercy’
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prayed at a Wednesday service in the Pentagon for violence against those “who deserve no mercy” and for god to “break the teeth of the ugodly.” Hegseth read a prayer that he said was first delivered by a chaplain to troops ahead of an operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro…
National SecurityExclusive: Pentagon to adopt Palantir AI as core US military system, memo says - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxOUFVuVHRfVXhQRTRETHIyLUc5aW9UOGNWSmRmdWJEZ2xScVBLbWtLTWZhQTNVMEx3ZnlTcDBkMi1fZ3pIQ0RCOUxpWDU3R2JLd1VuVjFvbkRSNDhqSGM2RGhqa0RkUklyZmJhRWFKSXl2T1h1RFpMRVJ4cGtiSW9UTHQ0MlJMNjh2YVVGLWFRcktHR2VBOXRBd3BKeFA2b0JWd3A2dWc3UUtPc0VCcGRV?oc=5" target="_blank">Exclusive: Pentagon to adopt Palantir AI as core US military system, memo says</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
PoliticsFather of service member killed in Iran war said he never told Pete Hegseth to 'finish' the job - Yahoo
Government TransparencyPentagon revises rules for journalists after lawsuit loss, raising press group's ire
<p>The Department of Defense announced a new media policy on Monday, three days after a <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/judge-blocks-pentagons-press-policy" target="_blank">federal judge ruled</a> Trump administration restrictions on Pentagon journalists were a First Amendment violation.</p><p><strong>The big picture: </strong>The Pentagon said in a <a href="https://media.defense.gov/2026/Mar/23/2003902148/-1/-1/1/IMPLEMENTATION-OF-REVISED-MEDIA-IN-BRIEF.PDF" target="_blank">memorandum</a> announcing the changes that it's complying with the ruling in the New York Times' lawsuit, but press groups accused the Trump administration of placing fresh restrictions on journalists with the new policy.</p><hr><p><strong>Zoom in: </strong>Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced three new changes to the press policy in a <a href="https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4441831/statement-by-chief-pentagon-spokesman-sean-parnell-on-implementation-of-revised/" target...

Appeals court lets Trump administration hold many immigration detainees without bond
A panel of appeals court judges handed the Trump administration a major legal victory in its quest to detain large swaths of immigrants living in the country illegally without bond.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say

US moves to soften capital rules: ‘Big banks can declare mission accomplished’

Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs

The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires

Pentagon's limits on press access unconstitutional, US judge rules - Reuters


