Hegseth launches Pentagon Office of Religious Affairs that reports directly to him, sparking church-state row

From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026 · last updated 3 October 2026.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has established a new Pentagon Office of Religious Affairs through a signed memorandum, unveiling the move in a speech to thousands of troops at Quantico on Wednesday, where he declared the military is putting on "the full armour of God." The office will report directly to Hegseth and champion the interests of military chaplains at the department's senior leadership level. He told assembled service members that "the real battle is spiritual," quoting Psalm 33:12 and citing a statistic that 95% of troops recognise "an Almighty God."

Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock accused Hegseth of "twisting scripture" to "wrap up power and war in sacred clothes," prompting fierce online backlash over his own record.

The office's founding memo states it will not "compel religious participation" or "favour one faith" — but constitutional lawyers are already lining up to challenge it.