War Secretary Pete Hegseth electrifies 3,000 Evangelicals at NRB – but makes no mention of possible imminent war with Iran

NASHVILLE — Pete Hegseth was a rock star last night.

As the keynote speaker at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention, the U.S. Secretary of War received so many standing ovations that I lost count.

A devout and unabashed Christian and former Fox News broadcaster, Hegseth brought his 3,000 fellow Christian media professionals, journalists, podcasters, and influencers to their feet time and time again by recounting the Christian history of America’s founding 250 years ago.

He talked about the faith of George Washington and how he created the Chaplain Corps in 1775 to invest in the spiritual health, readiness, and resilience of the American men fighting for their freedom.

“Washington firmly believed that an army’s discipline and success were directly linked to its moral character – SO DO WE,” Hegseth said. “He saw vice and impiety not just as personal failings but as corrosive to military order and effectiveness.”

What’s more, Hegseth talked about his mandate from President Donald J. Trump to inject Christian faith, biblical morality, and faith-based courage and discipleship back into the American military.

He also described his mandate to strip out of the military all manner of woke ideology, transgender madness, and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) indoctrination.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, the military once again supports and trains our troops and tends to their spiritual health,” he declared.

“We TRAIN our troops – we no longer TRANS our troops.”

Never have I heard a Pentagon chief quote more Bible verses than I heard last night.

Or talk more openly about his personal faith in Jesus Christ and the need for every American serviceman and servicewoman to feel strong and confident in their religious faith.

“As long as I have breath, I commit to you that I and we will NEVER allow any group – no matter how large or small – to silence us from speaking the capital ‘T’ TRUTH,” Hegseth told the audience.

“Christ is King. He died for our sins. We are forgiven. He will come again in glory. Amen.”

Hegseth said antisemitism is evil and must be opposed.

But most of his focus was on the need for muscular and unashamed Christianity.

Not just in the U.S. military, but throughout American society.

“If I may offer a few observations: Protecting the God-given life of an unborn baby is not political – it is BIBLICAL,” he said, to a standing ovation.

“Protecting our borders from criminals who steal from us, assault our loved ones, and poison our citizens is not political – it is BIBLICAL.”

“Protecting women and children from being trafficked for sexual slavery is not political – it is BIBLICAL.”

“Standing guard over our children rather than letting them be taught perverse sexual practices or share a locker room with someone of the opposite sex is not political – it is BIBLICAL.”

“Protecting our culture and our religion from godless ideologies and pagan religions is not political – it is BIBLICAL.”

Curiously, during his speech, Hegseth made no mention of the fact that he is overseeing the biggest American military buildup in the Middle East since 2003, when then-President George W. Bush was preparing for regime change in Iraq.

Today, the focus is on a possible regime change in Iran.

War with the Iranian regime appears imminent.

Yet Hegseth made no reference to any of it.

Nor did he ask for prayer for the troops.

Or for himself.

Or for the Commander-in-Chief.

Israel wasn’t mentioned.

Nor were any of our moderate Arab allies.

All of whom are in harm’s way.

I don’t report this by way of criticism.

It simply struck me as noteworthy.

The U.S. Secretary of War didn’t say it, but I will.

Please pray without ceasing for our leaders, our armed forces in the region, and our allies.

The moment of decision is very close at hand.