Trump's Top Aide Quotes 'Pulp Fiction' as Bible Verse

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's biblical blunder sparks criticism from journalists and religious leaders.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and fragments of a military uniform, rifle, and American flag in a palette of dark blue, red, and gold, conveying a sense of political and religious tension.A fractured, avant-garde painting captures the political and religious tensions surrounding the Pentagon's use of biblical rhetoric.Chicago Today

President Donald Trump's Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quoted a fictional Bible verse from the 1994 film 'Pulp Fiction' during a Pentagon prayer session, drawing criticism from journalists and religious leaders who called the mistake 'embarrassing' and an example of 'religious nationalism'.

Why it matters

Hegseth's use of a made-up Bible quote highlights concerns about the increasing influence of Christian nationalism and religious extremism within the Trump administration, with some critics arguing it undermines the separation of church and state.

The details

In a speech, Hegseth recited a passage that closely resembled a famous monologue delivered by the Samuel L. Jackson character in 'Pulp Fiction', falsely attributing it to the Bible. Journalists and former political aides quickly pointed out the mistake, with one calling it 'the kind of awkward moment that gives ammunition to critics' of Hegseth's religious rhetoric.

  • Hegseth made the remarks during a Pentagon prayer session on April 16, 2026.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump, known for his explicit religious rhetoric and Christian nationalist views.

Robert Francis Prevost

The first American to be anointed as Pope Leo XIV, who has repeatedly denounced the wars in Venezuela and Iran being waged by the Trump administration.

Steve Schmidt

A former aide to President George W. Bush, who has criticized Hegseth's 'religious nuttery' and 'religious extremism'.

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What they’re saying

“Hegseth is expressing an extreme version of Christian supremacy, where America, a Christian nation, is entitled, and in fact probably, in his mind, required by God, to smite America's enemies — or to smite the enemies of Christianity, even.”

— Sarah Posner, Religious studies scholar

“Wow this is embarrassing!”

— Ed Krassenstein

“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just quoted a fake Bible verse from Pulp Fiction during a Pentagon prayer session ... This is the kind of awkward moment that gives ammunition to critics, even if the underlying message about protecting American troops is solid. You don't need Hollywood scripts to honor service members — stick to the real thing.”

— Steven Latham, Conservative Christian

What’s next

The Pentagon has not yet commented on the incident or whether Hegseth will face any disciplinary action.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing influence of Christian nationalism within the Trump administration, raising concerns about the separation of church and state and the use of religious rhetoric for political purposes.