Hegseth Brings Prayer to the Pentagon — And It's Just the Beginning
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense participates in a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon on March 6, 2025. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Public domain.
The Pentagon auditorium looked more like a megachurch than the nerve center of America's military might. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth brought in his personal pastor and turned the Department of Defense into a stage for what some are calling a government-sponsored worship service — and the fallout has been swift and fierce.
The workday event, "Secretary of Defense Christian Prayer & Worship Service," featured glowing tributes to President Donald Trump, declarations of divine authority over missiles and war rooms, and a broadcast that went live across Pentagon networks. Hegseth told the audience that this would be a regular monthly occurrence — and religious freedom advocates were quick to cry foul, warning of a dangerous blurring between church and state.
What Happened at the Pentagon
Hegseth, a former Fox News host who has made no secret of his religious beliefs, hosted the inaugural service in the Pentagon auditorium. It was publicized internally via email and promoted with a printed brochure that featured the official seal of the Department of Defense. Attendees were encouraged to RSVP via a government email and handed flyers as they entered the auditorium, according to CNN.
His pastor, Brooks Potteiger — from the Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship in Tennessee — preached a sermon that included Pentagon-specific references. He suggested divine control not only over spiritual matters but also military assets like Tomahawk and Minuteman missiles. He praised President Trump. "Thank you for the way that you have used him to bring stability and moral clarity to our land, and we pray that you would continue to protect him," Potteiger said, as reported by Reuters.
Potteiger closed his sermon with a vision of the Pentagon becoming a nationwide hub for Christian revival. His prayer included an appeal for the monthly service to transform the Pentagon, the capital, and the country at large through divine power.
The Constitutional Controversy
Critics wasted no time voicing their concerns. Legal experts and former Pentagon officials argued that the combination of timing, location, and the Secretary of Defense's endorsement could make the event appear to be an official government promotion of Christianity. According to CNN, a former Pentagon attorney called the service "incredibly problematic," noting that the "core of the Establishment Clause is the state not endorsing a particular religion, but having a broadcast event is obviously an endorsement even if they don't officially say, 'this is a Pentagon event.'”
Rachel VanLandingham, a national security law expert, argued that Hegseth was using the weight of his office to promote one religion. She also raised concerns that, in the military's hierarchical structure, service members might feel pressured to attend something labeled "optional" when hosted by the Secretary himself, as reported by CNN.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) issued a public challenge, calling the event a blatant violation of the First Amendment. The group pointed to Supreme Court precedent barring government-sponsored prayer and warned that this kind of religious programming sends a message that Christianity is the Pentagon's preferred faith. FFRF also filed a Freedom of Information Act request demanding clarity on funding, logistics, and legal reviews tied to the event.
Not Everyone Is Outraged
Still, the backlash isn't universal. Supporters argue the prayer meeting was voluntary and aligned with American traditions dating back to George Washington. Hegseth has consistently described his faith as a central part of his identity and leadership — and he framed the event as a spiritual resource for those who wanted it.
The acting Pentagon press secretary issued a statement defending the event, highlighting that other religions have space for prayer within the building and that no government funds were used to support the pastor's appearance, as CNN reported.
In some evangelical circles, Hegseth has become a hero for championing open religious expression within government settings. For these supporters, the event represented a long-overdue acknowledgment of Christianity's place in American public life.
Looking Ahead: Faith or Fallout?
Hegseth has promised more services like this one in the months ahead. That promise — along with the Pentagon’s unusual level of involvement — ensures that the controversy is far from over.
Supporters see a bold return to faith-based leadership. Critics see a constitutional crisis in the making. What everyone agrees on is that the spectacle inside the Pentagon auditorium wasn’t business as usual.
And as Hegseth continues to blend public service with private belief, the rest of the country is left watching — and wondering — where the line will be drawn.
References: US defense chief Hegseth leads Christian prayer service at Pentagon | Hegseth hosts first meeting of what he says will be a monthly Christian prayer service at Pentagon | FFRF challenges reported Pentagon Christian prayer meetings
