Pentagon worship service sparks lawsuit against Defense Secretary Hegseth

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing a lawsuit after hosting a Christian worship service at the Pentagon. The event has sparked controversy, particularly due to his strong evangelical rhetoric and recent reforms cutting military-recognised faiths from over 200 to just 31.

Critics point to his past statements, including praise for the Crusades and prayers for military success against foreign leaders.

The lawsuit demands internal records related to the Pentagon service. It seeks details on costs, guest lists, and any complaints filed about the event. Hegseth's leadership has repeatedly blended faith with his official role, including a prayer for 'every round to find its mark' against enemies of the nation.

During the service, he read a prayer originally given to US troops involved in an operation targeting Venezuela's then-president, Nicolás Maduro. His language has drawn comparisons to his earlier defence of the Crusades as a 'just war'. Hegseth recently overhauled military religious classifications, slashing recognised faith codes from 221 to 31. The move followed his pledge to 'make the chaplain corps great again'. While nearly 70% of troops identify as Christian, the reforms remove official recognition for many smaller faiths, including Wiccan, Druid, and Rastafarian groups. Previously, the military acknowledged a wide range of beliefs, from major religions like Islam and Judaism to lesser-known traditions such as Santería and Earth-Centered spirituality. The changes have raised concerns about representation for non-Christian service members.

The lawsuit will test the boundaries of religious expression in military leadership. With fewer faiths now formally recognised, the outcome could affect how diverse beliefs are accommodated within the armed forces. Hegseth's policies and public statements remain under close examination by critics and legal challengers.