Pete Hegseth gets trolled after quoting 'Pulp Fiction' verse during Pentagon prayer event

The US defence secretary was mocked by political figures and commentators after reciting a fictional Bible passage

Pete Hegseth has faced widespread criticism after quoting a line associated with Pulp Fiction during a Pentagon prayer event.

The US defence secretary drew attention after reciting what appeared to be a version of the fictional Bible passage featured in the Quentin Tarantino film, prompting reactions from political figures and commentators.

The moment quickly circulated online, with critics questioning the appropriateness of the reference in a formal setting.

Pete Hegseth quoted a fake Bible verse from Pulp Fiction during a Pentagon sermon.pic.twitter.com/1o3CJiJYRF

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 16, 2026

California governor Gavin Newsom was among those who responded publicly, sharing a satirical post as the clip gained traction. 

https://t.co/8PJTZwRUjg pic.twitter.com/U0DUey5evW

— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) April 16, 2026

Other public figures also weighed in. Senator Raphael Warnock, author Don Winslow and former tennis player Martina Navratilova were among those who criticised the incident, with Winslow describing Hegseth as a “clown”.

I’ll let this one speak for itself. https://t.co/F5oRVHYcKj

— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) April 16, 2026

Dear @SecWar Pete Hegseth,

YOU ARE A CLOWN.

YOU ARE THE WORST SECRETARY OF DEFENSE IN THE HISTORY OF THIS NATION.

A CHILD. A CLOWN. A GOOF.

— Don Winslow (@donwinslow) April 16, 2026

lol https://t.co/H0ygQoS6hB

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) April 16, 2026

Poor Pete Hegseth, he’s clearly got the worst case of poser complex DC’s ever seen and that’s saying something.

— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) April 16, 2026

In response, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the remarks, stating, “Secretary Hegseth on Wednesday shared a custom prayer, referenced as the CSAR prayer, used by the brave warfighters of Sandy-1 who led the daylight rescue mission of Dude 44 Alpha out of Iran, which was obviously inspired by dialogue in Pulp Fiction.” He added, “Anyone saying the Secretary misquoted Ezekiel 25:17 is peddling fake news and ignorant of reality.”