Overview

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted a Christian prayer service in the Pentagon auditorium, marking the first of what he announced would be monthly voluntary events.
• The service featured Hegseth's pastor, Brooks Potteiger, who praised President Trump as a divinely appointed leader and prayed for his continued protection and wisdom.
• The event was advertised through DoD-branded materials, broadcast internally on the Pentagon's TV network, and included an RSVP system for attendees, raising concerns about government endorsement of religion.
• Legal experts and advocacy groups have criticized the event as a potential violation of the Establishment Clause, citing its exclusivity and the involvement of the Secretary of Defense in promoting it.
• Critics argue the service undermines military norms by blending religious advocacy with official government functions, potentially pressuring personnel in a hierarchical environment to participate.