- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a Christian worship service at the Pentagon, praying for military success against adversaries and using specific Christian rhetoric.
- During the service, Hegseth read a prayer he attributed to a military chaplain, stating, "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."
- His evangelical rhetoric, including calls to pray "in the name of Jesus Christ," has drawn scrutiny from historians and advocacy groups, who question its implications for a nation with no established religion.
- Hegseth announced reforms for military chaplains, stating they should focus more on God and less on therapeutic self-help, and will now wear religious insignia instead of rank.
- The reforms also include reducing the number of recognized military faith codes from over 200 to 31, which eliminates many small Protestant denominations, Wiccans, atheists, and agnostics.
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