Pete Hegseth wanted an ‘American Crusade.’ Now he’s leading a war in the Middle East

By Zachary B. Wolf
Mar 13, 2026

In the war the US launched on the Islamic Republic, the US secretary of war, as he prefers to be called, likes to talk about how the Christian God is on his side.

During an interview with CBS News that aired Sunday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran should not doubt US resolve because it is backed by the higher power.

“Our capabilities are better. Our will is better. Our troops are better. The providence of our almighty God is there protecting those troops, and we’re committed to this mission,” he said.

The CBS reporter, Major Garrett, asked if Hegseth views the war from a religious context.

“I mean, obviously, we’re fighting religious fanatics who seek a nuclear capability in order for some religious Armageddon.” Troops, he later added, “need a connection with their almighty God in these moments.”

A couple of days later, not long after returning from a dignified transfer of soldiers killed in action, Hegseth quoted Psalm 144 at a Pentagon press conference: “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.”

Continue reading at edition.cnn.com

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