Defense secretary draws attention after quoting pulp fiction verse during Pentagon service
A recent worship service inside the Pentagon has drawn widespread attention after Pete Hegseth delivered a prayer that included lines widely recognized from popular culture rather than scripture.
According to reporting from Meidas News and Word&Way, Hegseth told attendees he would read a prayer referred to as “CSAR 2517,” a name linked to Combat Search and Rescue and referencing the biblical passage Ezekiel 25:17.
The prayer, however, included wording that closely mirrors a well-known monologue from the 1994 film Pulp Fiction.
“It reads, and pray with me, please,” Hegseth said before reciting the passage, which included lines about “the path of the downed aviator” and “the tyranny of evil men,” as well as references to protecting a “brother” and identifying a call sign.
Fans of the film quickly identified the language as the same passage delivered by Samuel L. Jackson’s character in Pulp Fiction, written by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary. In the movie, the character presents the lines as a Bible verse before carrying out a violent act.
Reports note that only a portion of the prayer reflects actual biblical text, while other sections originate from the film’s script. According to 9News, the latter part of the passage draws from a real biblical condemnation involving the Philistines and the Cherethites, enemies of the Israelites in the 5th century BC.
The version recited during the Pentagon service also differed from the traditional text, with references adjusted to reflect a military context rather than the original wording.
Context of the prayer and broader scrutiny
Hegseth stated that the prayer had been provided by a “lead mission planner” connected to a rescue operation involving two Air Force crew members shot down over Iran, as reported by Word&Way.
The moment comes as the Defense Secretary faces political pressure, with House Democrats filing articles of impeachment against him. At least nine lawmakers have accused him of war crimes, abuse of power, and mishandling responsibilities within the Department of Defense.
Among them, Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari said his actions were “violating his oath” and called for his removal.
Despite the filings, the effort faces significant obstacles. Republicans currently hold a majority in both chambers of Congress, making it unlikely that impeachment proceedings would succeed. A simple majority in the House and a two-thirds vote in the Senate would be required for removal.
No cabinet official in U.S. history has ever been removed from office through impeachment, although Secretary of War William Belknap resigned before a vote in 1876.
In recent months, Hegseth has held regular Christian prayer and worship services within the Pentagon, with this latest appearance drawing renewed public and political attention.
