Defense SecretaryPete Hegsethcalled for "overwhelming violence of action" against those who "deserve no mercy" during amonthly Christian serviceheld at the Pentagon on March 25, a day after he announced major changes to themilitary's chaplaincy corps.
Speaking to military and civilian employees at thelivestreamed service, Hegseth quoted Scripture and read a prayer he said was first offered by a military chaplain during a past U.S. operation. The prayer asked God to "let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation."
"Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy," Hegseth said. He also called on God to "break the teeth of the ungodly."
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth answers questions during a ceremony for newly sworn in U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin in the Oval Office at the White House on March 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Mullin takes the helm of DHS during a challenging time as it has been partially shut down since February 14 while lawmakers negotiate reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Pete Hegseth: See the combat veteran's career from Fox News to Secretary of Defense
US Secretary of WarPete Hegsethanswers questions during a ceremony for newly sworn in U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin in the Oval Office at the White House on March 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Mullin takes the helm of DHS during a challenging time as it has been partially shut down since February 14 while lawmakers negotiate reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On March 23, the advocacy group Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed alawsuit challenging the Pentagon's Christian worship services, according to Military.com, arguing they violate constitutional limits on government endorsement of religion even when framed as voluntary.
"Even if these prayer services are presented as voluntary, there is pressure on federal employees to attend to appease their bosses," Americans United President and CEO Rachel Laser said in a statement shared with the outlet.
Department of War spokesperson: 'We are proud to host these services'
Kingsley Wilson, the press secretary for the Department of War, formally known as the Department of Defense,previously told USA TODAYthat Hegseth's prayer services "undoubtedly improve morale for those who choose to attend and are constitutionally protected."
Advertisement
Wilson added: "We are proud to host these services and will continue to do so."
Earlier this week, Hegseth announced that chaplains will display their religious insignia while retaining their rank as officers. They "will be seen among the highest ranks because of their divine calling," Hegseth said ina video posted to X.
The change reflects Hegseth's wider effort to infuse the chaplaincy, and the military more broadly, with more explicitly religious sentiments.
Hegseth's prayers also come weeks after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 after talks about Tehran's nuclear program failed to yield a deal. Thewar has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands of people and hitting the global economy with soaring energy prices, fuelling global inflation fears.
Contributing: BrieAnna J. Frank, USA TODAY; Reuters
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Pete Hegseth prays for 'overwhelming violence' against US enemies