Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hosted a monthly Christian prayer and worship service at the Pentagon, the first since the Iran war began. He quoted warlike Scripture and prayed in Jesus' name. He read a prayer he said was shared with troops who captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. It asked for "overwhelming violence" against enemies. Government leaders often use broad religious language, but critics say Hegseth's specific evangelical framing feels new for his role. On Monday, Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued to obtain records about the Pentagon Christian services. Hegseth also announced chaplain reforms and cuts to the military's recognized religious affiliations.

A new poll finds few Americans support allowing religious schools to become tax-funded public charter schools. But majorities are in favor of allowing religious chaplains to provide support services for public school students. The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows the complexity of Americans' attitudes toward religious expression in schools, which varies depending on the kind of expression and sometimes crosses partisan lines. The findings also highlight tension points in the country's long-standing debate over the role of religion in public schools, which continues to drive legislation and legal action.