Hegseth cites Bible in criticism of news media

April 17, 2026

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used scripture at a Pentagon briefing to criticize what he called negative media coverage of the Iran war.

Why this matters

The remarks highlighted the Trump administration’s use of religious language in discussing war and underscored tensions with both the news media and Pope Leo. The episode also drew attention to an ongoing court fight over Pentagon press access.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a Bible passage at a Pentagon briefing to criticize what he called negative news coverage of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

In opening remarks, Hegseth said a Sunday sermon had focused on Pharisees trying to undermine Jesus after witnessing a miracle. Quoting scripture, he said, “the Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel against him, how to destroy him.”

“I sat there in church and I thought, our press are just like these Pharisees,” Hegseth said in the Pentagon briefing room. He added that he was not referring to all reporters, but to “the legacy, Trump-hating press.”

“The Pharisees scrutinized every good act in order to find a violation. Only looking for the negative. The hardened hearts of our press are calibrated only to impugn,” he said.

Hegseth’s remarks came as President Donald Trump and Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church, remained at odds over the war. The article said Pope Leo had criticized the conflict. This week, Trump posted images on social media showing Jesus embracing him and depicting Trump as a Jesus-like figure.

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