Did Pete Hegseth recite a ‘Pulp Fiction’ prayer at a Pentagon prayer service? What you need to know
Pentagon officials reported that Pete Hegseth recited a passage at a prayer service that appeared to be drawn from the Quentin Tarantino film 'Pulp Fiction' rather than an actual Bible verse. The passage was attributed to an air rescue group's prayer materials. The incident generated significant media attention across the political spectrum, with outlets debating the appropriateness and implications of the moment.
Left-leaning sources emphasized the absurdity and inappropriateness of the moment, with some highlighting late-night comedy coverage mocking Hegseth. These outlets framed the incident as evidence of carelessness or questionable judgment in a religious context, treating it as a notable gaffe worthy of sustained criticism.
The Hill's coverage presented the incident in more neutral terms, focusing on the factual details of what occurred at the Pentagon service without emphasizing either the comedic or critical dimensions prominent in other outlets.
Right-leaning sources acknowledged the 'Pulp Fiction' connection while some contextualized it within broader discussions of Hegseth's record, with outlets like Reason using the incident to raise separate concerns about his historical positions on military matters.
Key Differences
- Left outlets emphasized mockery and comedic coverage of the incident, while right outlets treated it more as a factual occurrence with varying degrees of additional context
- Left sources focused primarily on the prayer service moment itself, whereas some right-leaning outlets used it as a springboard to discuss Hegseth's broader record and positions
- Center coverage remained notably more restrained in tone compared to the more pointed framing on both ideological sides
Left(5)
LA TimesAApr 16, 9:18 PM
Hegseth recites 'Pulp Fiction' speech at Pentagon prayer service
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recited dialogue drawn from the film "Pulp Fiction" at a Pentagon prayer service, using it to frame the war in Iran as an act of divine justice.
The Daily BeastCApr 17, 11:03 AM
Colbert Brutally Mocks Hegseth’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ Prayer
Stephen Colbert ripped into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for being the latest member of the Trump administration to “mess with religion.” At a worship service at the Pentagon on Wednesday, Hegseth,
The GuardianAApr 16, 6:25 PM
Hegseth channels his inner Tarantino with fake Bible verse from Pulp Fiction
The defense secretary said his prayer drew on Ezekiel, but wording closely matches Quentin Tarantino dialogue It was perhaps inevitable that a braggadocious Christian nationalist defense secretary ele
HuffPostCApr 16, 6:37 PM
Pete Hegseth Quoted A Bible Verse. Turns Out It Was A Rip-Off Of ‘Pulp Fiction.’
"When our leaders mix up God and a movie, in trying to suggest that God is behind them, that suggests the muddle we’re all in," one person commented.
The New RepublicBApr 16, 2:29 PM
Hegseth Quotes Made-Up Bible Verse From Pulp Fiction
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quoted the fake Bible verse from Samuel L. Jackson’s monologue as Jules Winfield in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, apparently believing it was completely real. The
Center(1)
Right(4)
NY PostCApr 17, 2:06 PM
Did Pete Hegseth recite a ‘Pulp Fiction’ prayer at a Pentagon prayer service? What you need to know
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth read a prayer during a Pentagon worship service which is raising eyebrows on social media because of its similarity to an iconic “Pulp Fiction” scene with Samuel L. Jacks
The BlazeCApr 16, 9:25 PM
Hegseth goes viral for 'Pulp Fiction' prayer at the Pentagon
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faced some criticism after reciting a prayer that closely resembled a fake biblical passage from the film "Pulp Fiction" during a worship service at the Pentagon. Hegseth
ReasonAApr 16, 7:23 PM
Pete Hegseth's Pulp Fiction Prayer Isn't the First Time He's Used Religion To Justify Illegal War in Iran
From the war to its mass deportation campaign, the Trump administration is expanding the power of the state under the guise of religion.
TwitchyDApr 16, 9:30 PM
Variety: Pete Hegseth Tried to Evoke Scripture but Quoted ‘Pulp Fiction’ Instead
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