Hegseth defends Christian prayer service as 'long-standing tradition'

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defended Wednesday’s Christian prayer service at the Pentagon as a “long-standing tradition” within the United States armed forces.

“Appealing to Heaven, to God, is a long-standing tradition in our military,” Hegseth told reporters Thursday at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. “George Washington was on bended knee with the troops praying for God’s providence and protection in that moment.”