Defense Secretary Hegseth Invokes Christian Faith to Justify Military Operations

Hegseth frames U.S. military actions as divinely sanctioned, drawing criticism from some religious leaders

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:05am

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly framed U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America as divinely sanctioned, invoking Christian faith and imagery to justify the use of "overwhelming force" and "death and destruction from above" against "apocalyptic" foes. Hegseth's explicitly Christian rhetoric and calls for prayer in the Pentagon press room have drawn criticism from some religious leaders who see the wars as immoral.

Why it matters

Hegseth's views reflect the influence of the conservative branch of American Christianity within the Trump administration, which has frequently invoked religious language and themes to advance its political and policy agenda. His willingness to blur the line between spiritual and physical warfare is a stark departure from how military chaplains are typically taught to minister to the diverse religious backgrounds of U.S. troops.

The details

Hegseth has organized monthly, voluntary Christian worship services in the Pentagon auditorium and has posted videos mixing his recitation of the Lord's Prayer with footage of military operations. He has described countercartel strikes that have killed at least 157 people as part of a broader war to defend "Christian nations under God" from "narco communism" and tyranny. Hegseth has also invoked the Crusades, describing the "Deus vult" or "God wills it" battle cry tattooed on his arm as a formative moment in the history of the free world.

  • Hegseth made his call for prayer in the Pentagon press room in recent weeks.
  • Hegseth organized monthly, voluntary Christian worship services in the Pentagon auditorium.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense who has repeatedly framed U.S. military operations as divinely sanctioned.

Cardinal Robert McElroy

A prominent Catholic leader who has criticized Hegseth's moral understanding of the current wars as immoral.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope who has called for a ceasefire and an end to the fighting in Iran.

Franklin Graham

An evangelical Christian leader who spoke at a Pentagon prayer service organized by Hegseth, describing God as a "God of war".

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What they’re saying

“Every day, on bended knee, with your family, in your schools, in your churches, in the name of Jesus Christ.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense

“In my own view in the teaching of the church, this is not a moral war, it is an immoral war, and thus I am not praying that this immoral war continues.”

— Cardinal Robert McElroy, Catholic Cardinal

“Violence can never lead to the justice, the stability and the peace that peoples are awaiting.”

— Pope Leo XIV

“We know that God loves. But did you know that God also hates? Do you know that God also is a God of war? Many people don't want to think about that, or forget that.”

— Franklin Graham, Evangelical Christian Leader

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Hegseth's willingness to invoke Christian faith and imagery to justify military operations represents a concerning blurring of the line between church and state, raising questions about the role of religion in shaping U.S. foreign policy and the treatment of religious diversity within the military.