Hegseth's Controversial Pentagon Prayer

The prayer, which Hegseth claimed was used by an air rescue mission in Iran, is actually a misquote of Ezekiel 25:17 popularized by Samuel L. Jackson's character in the 1994 movie.

Hegseth also escalated his attacks on the media, comparing reporters covering the conflict to the biblical Pharisees.

The incident has drawn a sharp rebuke from religious leaders and political opponents who accuse the administration of manipulating faith to justify war.

Despite the backlash, Hegseth's top aides have attempted to defend the choice of prayer as a tribute to military tradition.