Defense Secretary Recites 'Pulp Fiction' Speech at Pentagon Prayer Service

Hegseth frames Iran war as 'divine justice' using fictional Bible verse from movie

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A moody, cinematic painting depicting a lone military officer standing in a shadowy Pentagon hallway, the warm light casting dramatic shadows and highlighting the solitary, contemplative nature of the scene.The use of fictional religious rhetoric to justify military action raises concerns about the blurring of church and state at the highest levels of government.Washington Today

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quoted a fictional Bible verse from the film 'Pulp Fiction' during a Pentagon prayer service, using it to frame the ongoing war in Iran as an act of divine justice. Hegseth told the audience the verse is frequently spoken by combat search-and-rescue crews, who call it the 'CSAR 25:17' prayer.

Why it matters

Hegseth's use of a fictional movie quote in a Pentagon prayer service has raised concerns about the blending of politics, religion, and military operations. Critics argue it distracts from the Pentagon's core wartime mission and represents an inappropriate conflation of war and divinity.

The details

During a monthly Pentagon prayer service, Hegseth recited a minute-long prayer that closely followed the infamous 'Ezekiel 25:17' speech from the film 'Pulp Fiction,' delivered by actor Samuel L. Jackson's character before a violent act. Hegseth replaced the final line with a reference to the call sign 'Sandy 1' for a U.S. A-10 Warthog aircraft. The secretary claimed the prayer is frequently used by combat search-and-rescue crews.

  • The prayer service was held on Wednesday at the Pentagon.
  • Hegseth has used previous prayer services to call for violence in the ongoing Iran war.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense, who recited the 'Pulp Fiction' speech during a Pentagon prayer service.

Sean Parnell

The Chief Pentagon Spokesman, who defended Hegseth's use of the fictional prayer as inspired by the biblical verse Ezekiel 25:17.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who has spoken out against the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and criticized military leaders for manipulating religion for political gain.

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What they’re saying

“And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to capture and destroy my brother. And you will know my call sign is Sandy 1, when I lay my vengeance upon thee.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense

“Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth.”

— Pope Leo XIV

What’s next

The Pentagon has not indicated whether Hegseth's use of the 'Pulp Fiction' speech will face any disciplinary action or review. The ongoing clash between the Trump administration and the Vatican over the Iran war is also expected to continue.

The takeaway

Hegseth's decision to quote a fictional Bible verse from a violent movie scene in a Pentagon prayer service raises serious concerns about the inappropriate blending of religion, politics, and military operations. This incident highlights the need for clearer boundaries between the sacred and the secular, especially within government institutions.