Hegseth prays for ‘overwhelming violence’ during Pentagon Christian service

Key Points:

• During a Pentagon prayer service, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prayed for "overwhelming violence" against enemies, reciting a military chaplain's prayer used during the attempted capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.
• Hegseth’s prayer included calls for swift justice and destruction of the wicked, urging God to "break the teeth of the ungodly" and for every round to find its mark against enemies of the nation.
• The service marked the first monthly Christian worship ceremony at the Pentagon since the Iran war began, with Hegseth encouraging prayers for U.S. service members currently in harm’s way.
• Hegseth, a member of the conservative Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, has faced criticism for blending religious rhetoric with military and political matters, and for hosting regular Pentagon worship services.
• He announced reforms to the military Chaplain Corps, emphasizing ministry over rank by having chaplains wear faith symbols instead of rank insignia, amid concerns about the intersection of faith and military service.