1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Immediate Congressional Action Required to Confront Religious Militarization and Constitutional Violations I am writing with deep concern and a sense of urgency regarding a blatant violation of the U.S. Constitution that occurred at the Pentagon on May 21, 2025. On that date, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a Christian prayer service inside the Pentagon auditorium—during official duty hours—in which President Trump was publicly praised as a “divinely appointed leader.” The event featured Secretary Hegseth’s personal pastor, took place under the official seal of the Department of Defense, and included uniformed military officers and civilian personnel in attendance. This service was not interfaith or inclusive—it was explicitly Christian, evangelical in tone, and overtly political. Secretary Hegseth declared he intends to make this a monthly government-sponsored event. This is not just inappropriate—it is illegal. This prayer service violates: • The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. • DoD Instruction 1300.17 (updated September 1, 2020), which guarantees religious freedom while forbidding official favoritism toward any one faith. • The Hatch Act (1939), which limits federal employees from using their positions to promote religious or political agendas. • Fundamental military ethics, which bar leaders from exercising coercive influence over subordinates in matters of faith. The U.S. military is a pluralistic institution that exists to serve and protect all Americans—of every religion, and of none. Using the Department of Defense to promote a single religious worldview, elevate a political figure as a messianic leader, and marginalize all others is not only unconstitutional—it’s a clear and present danger to our democracy. I urgently request Congress to: 1. Hold immediate public hearings to investigate this misuse of military authority and government property for religious indoctrination. 2. Publicly demand accountability from Secretary Hegseth and any officials who authorized or participated in this breach. 3. Introduce or support legislation that reinforces religious neutrality in all federal agencies, especially within the Department of Defense. The line between church and state was not drawn in sand—it is etched in our Constitution. On May 21st, that line was crossed in uniform, under seal, and on government time. You swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. Please act like it.