Hegseth uses Bible in briefings

During a Pentagon worship event, Hegseth recited a prayer that closely mirrored a famous monologue from Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction,' which he claimed was drawn from the Book of Ezekiel.

He later used a press conference to attack the media as 'unpatriotic,' comparing journalists to biblical enemies of Jesus Christ who plotted his destruction.

The Defense Secretary's rhetoric has sparked a backlash from religious leaders and political commentators, including some conservative allies like Steve Bannon who advised him to 'tone down' the religious talk.

The controversy coincides with a deepening rift between the Trump administration and Pope Leo XIV over the moral implications of the war.