Hegseth's Holy War: Pentagon Chief's Biblical Rebuke of Media Coverage

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the media using biblical comparisons during a Pentagon briefing, likening reporters to adversaries of Jesus. His comments aimed to counter perceived negative coverage of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, amid tensions with the Catholic Church's Pope Leo over religious rhetoric concerning warfare.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth invoked biblical scripture during a Thursday Pentagon briefing to critique media and its portrayal of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Hegseth, a vocal supporter of President Trump, drew parallels between current media and the Pharisees, adversaries of Jesus, while responding to what he deemed biased coverage.

His remarks come as tensions rise with Pope Leo, who criticized the use of religion for political ends, further escalating a feud over the administration's use of religious rhetoric in wartime.

(With inputs from agencies.)