Pentagon Chief to Participate in Bible Reading Event After 'Pulp Fiction' Mishap

Hegseth's inclusion comes after embarrassing incident at Pentagon prayer service.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:23pm

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A fractured, abstract painting of an open Bible with pages fluttering in a swirling motion, rendered in deep navy blue, crimson red, and gold tones, conceptually representing the political and religious tensions surrounding the Pentagon's Bible reading event.The Pentagon's Bible reading event aims to emphasize Christian nationalism, but Hegseth's 'Pulp Fiction' mishap underscores the ongoing tensions between military leadership and religious observance.Washington Today

Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will take part in a week-long Bible reading project, just days after an embarrassing moment where he recited a verse from the film 'Pulp Fiction' during a Pentagon prayer service. Hegseth will join other high-profile political figures like President Donald Trump, Ben Carson, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in the 'America Reads the Bible' event.

Why it matters

Hegseth's participation in the Bible reading project comes amid ongoing tensions between the Pentagon leadership and military chaplains over comments Hegseth has made about the war in Iran. The event also reflects the Trump administration's efforts to emphasize the Christian roots of the nation's founding during official celebrations.

The details

The 'America Reads the Bible' event will run for a week, with participants reading passages live at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. or pre-recording their segments. Hegseth's inclusion in the project was likely arranged before his embarrassing moment at a recent Pentagon prayer service, where he recited the famous Bible verse delivered by Samuel L. Jackson's character in the film 'Pulp Fiction'.

  • The 'America Reads the Bible' event will run from April 21 to April 27, 2026.
  • Hegseth's embarrassing 'Pulp Fiction' moment at a Pentagon prayer service occurred just days before the Bible reading event.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current Secretary of Defense who has been at odds with military chaplains over his comments about the war in Iran.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who will also participate in the Bible reading event.

Ben Carson

The former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development who will participate in the Bible reading event.

Sean Duffy

The current Secretary of Transportation who will participate in the Bible reading event.

Ruth Graham

The New York Times reporter who confirmed Hegseth's inclusion in the Bible reading project.

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What they’re saying

“Participants include the secretary of state, Marco Rubio; the secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth; and the transportation secretary, Sean Duffy.”

— Ruth Graham, New York Times Reporter

“Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation. Give them wisdom in every decision … and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”

— Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense

What’s next

The judge overseeing the Pentagon prayer service incident will decide on Tuesday whether to take any disciplinary action against Hegseth.

The takeaway

Hegseth's participation in the Bible reading event highlights the ongoing tensions between the Pentagon leadership and military chaplains, as well as the Trump administration's efforts to emphasize Christian nationalism in official government celebrations. The embarrassing 'Pulp Fiction' moment further complicates Hegseth's standing and raises questions about his judgment and ability to lead the Department of Defense.