Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing backlash after leading a public Christian prayer service at the Pentagon that sparked debate over church-state separation.

According to the Daily Mail, Hegseth defended the voluntary service as part of a long-standing military tradition rooted in American history and emphasized its continuation despite legal concerns raised by critics.

The 30-minute gathering took place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, with Hegseth standing alongside his home pastor, Brooks Potteiger, who delivered a sermon centered on divine sovereignty and biblical teachings from Matthew 10. Described as “standing-room only,” the event marked the start of what Hegseth announced will become a monthly tradition at the Pentagon, open to participation on a voluntary basis.

Critics raise First Amendment concerns

The event received swift criticism from legal experts and former military personnel, who questioned whether such a religious display violated the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. Among them was retired Air Force Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham, who told CNN that publicly endorsing the service as an official duty may conflict with constitutional parameters.

A former Pentagon legal adviser also labeled the gathering as “incredibly problematic,” raising questions about the boundaries of governmental religious endorsement in a workplace like the Department of Defense. These viewpoints reflect a broader legal debate over the appropriateness of public religious activity within institutions funded and operated by the federal government.

Potteiger’s church is affiliated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, a denomination known for its conservative theological positions. His address to the Pentagon audience emphasized God’s control over human affairs and invited listeners to align with Christian principles during uncertain times.

Hegseth defends worship service tradition

The next day, while participating in a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Hegseth responded directly to the controversy. He stood firmly behind the event, describing prayer as a time-tested practice interwoven with the history of the U.S. military.

“I’ve gotten some criticism for the Christian prayer service at the Pentagon yesterday. We said it very publicly, said it very proudly,” said Hegseth, defending both the event and the historical precedent behind it.

Invoking the image of George Washington praying with his troops, Hegseth likened spiritual reflection to the serious mission of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, whose members were honored during the same Fort Bragg event. He described the act of prayer as integral to the moral and emotional support of service members confronting high-risk situations.

Historical parallels drawn by the defense chief

Hegseth stated that the act of “appealing to Heaven” was not new, pointing to echoes of early American military leaders seeking guidance and strength through faith. He voiced pride in launching the monthly service, insisting that the practice aligned with both individual liberty and institutional heritage.

Appealing to Heaven, to God, it’s a longstanding tradition in our military. I’m very proud of starting a monthly voluntary service at the Pentagon,” he said while concluding remarks at Fort Bragg.

He continued by saying, “And we appeal to God. I appeal to Jesus Christ for that protection, to speak that word, and be open and willing to talk about that at the Pentagon. If they want to criticize that, they’re on the wrong side of a very important issue.”

Religious identity in the armed forces

The discussion surrounding the Pentagon prayer service has reignited ongoing conversations about religious expression in the armed forces. Prayer gatherings, along with the presence of military chaplains, are well-established elements of day-to-day service life.

According to a 2019 report from the Congressional Research Service, roughly 70% of active-duty personnel self-identified as Christian at the time, suggesting strong representation of the faith across the U.S. military ranks. This demographic context helps explain why events like the May 21 service may find resonance among many service members.

Nonetheless, critics argue that events hosted by top officials send an implicit message of endorsement. Legal scholars emphasize that the appearance of institutional bias toward any particular faith may raise constitutional red flags, especially within a government agency such as the Department of Defense.

Event at Fort Bragg adds military emphasis

Hegseth’s comments came during his visit to Fort Bragg to honor the 82nd Airborne Division in a public ceremony on Thursday, May 22, one day after the prayer service. There, he announced additional hazard pay for Army paratroopers, tying the announcement to ongoing efforts to support frontline personnel.

The event concluded with helicopter flyovers saluting the service and sacrifices of the airborne division. Against that patriotic backdrop, Hegseth’s references to faith and tradition mixed religious and military heritage into a broader message of support for the troops.

As the Pentagon prepares to continue hosting a monthly prayer service, debate is likely to persist over the role of religion in federal institutions. For now, Hegseth has made clear that he feels both history and current faith practices justify the initiative.