Hegseth prays at Pentagon service for ‘overwhelming violence’ against enemies

The Guardian US News
by Rachel Leingang
March 26, 2026
3 min read

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Pentagon Defense Secretary prayed for 'overwhelming violence' against enemies at official military worship service.

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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.

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