Pete Hegseth became Secretary of Defense in President Trump’s cabinet on January 25, 2025. Eight months later, President Trump renamed the role Secretary of War to signal to adversaries that America would respond decisively and avoid endless conflicts. This name change conveyed a firm message: America is prepared to win when its interests are challenged.

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As Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth recently spoke at the 74th National Prayer Breakfast (NPB), emphasizing a new direction for the department. Drawing on his military service and faith, he presented America’s Christian heritage and military duty as intertwined responsibilities.

His unique speech signaled a major shift in direction for the Department of War. In his seven-minute thirty-second speech, he upended decades of tradition. He assured listeners that the Pentagon would embrace America’s Christian spiritual heritage as an asset, a sharp departure from the position of his predecessors, who at previous National Prayer Breakfasts had often spoken of duty, sacrifice, and moral courage.

He called for Americans to be leaders grounded in Scripture, who would guide the country toward its divine purpose, comparing military service and readiness to divine preparation.

Just as God calls individuals to a destiny, He calls nations. He reminded the NPB attendees that America has a God-given mission in this world that cannot be achieved without its leaders, military, and general population embracing the lessons of spiritual and physical warfare.

He cited George Washington’s prayers for America at Valley Forge, asking for strength and protection for his soldiers. Likewise, the soldiers trained in America today should be men and women who pray in times of war for God’s strength and protection for our nation.

As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary as an independent nation, Secretary Hegseth told the NPB it would be a mistake to focus solely on the 1776 victory and forget the earlier, hard-fought battles that laid the foundation for the nation’s freedom. “We cannot celebrate the victories of 1776 without celebrating the victorious battles of 1775.” Today, he refers to the military personnel under his command as the 1775 department.

With conviction, Secretary Hegseth highlighted that America faces both spiritual and physical battles. He argued that true readiness must include spiritual preparation, making spiritual readiness central to the Pentagon’s mission.

Since his appointment, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has led prayer services at the Pentagon. He has received criticism from Religious News Outlets, which express concern over Secretary Hegseth’s strong Christian nationalist leanings and have compared him to Hitler. Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, condemned the Pentagon prayer gatherings. She said, “This is a blatant violation of the First Amendment and its proscription of religion in government.” Secretary Hegseth has no intention of backing down.

What did you think of Secretary Hegseth’s speech? Share your thoughts and prayers below.

Nancy Huff is an educator with a mission to equip believers to pray strategically for the Cultural Mountain of Education. She has authored Taking the Mountain of Education: A Strategic Prayer Guide to Transform America’s Schools,  Safety Zone: Scriptural Prayers to Revolutionize Your School, and Decrees for Your School. She leads prayer groups to pray at key educational locations across the US. For additional information, go to: https://takingthemountainofeducation.com/author/nancyahuff/. Photo Credit: DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza.