US defense secretary invokes scripture to justify wars in Texas speech

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited Christian scripture from the Book of Isaiah to connect military doctrine with the justification of wars. Launching his national "Send Me" tour at Texas A&M University, Hegseth began his remarks by referencing the tour's name, before quoting the Book of Isaiah, saying that God asked, "Whom shall I send?" and Isaiah replied, "Here I am, send me."

Hegseth continued, saying: "If you reflect on that over the 250 years of this country’s history—and I know you have 150 years of this great corps’ history here—there have always been men and women who raised their right hands and said, 'Send me.'"

In his address to soldiers in Texas, Pete Hegseth emphasized, "We need the entire nation to raise its right hand and say: 'Send me, I will serve something greater than myself—God and country.' I will swear an oath to something timeless; this constitution that does not bend or break, and which we all swear to protect and defend."

It is noteworthy that Hegseth’s speech came amid political pressure and criticism facing the US administration over ongoing military operations, prompting him to use faith-based narratives to rally public support.

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