Pete Hegseth surprised viewers by leading an on-air prayer during a Sunday segment. Inviting his co-hosts and audience to join, Hegseth bowed his head and began the prayer, supported by a Bible app. Acknowledging the Lenten season, Hegseth read a prayer from the Hallow app, expressing gratitude and seeking divine guidance. Co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy chimed in with an “Amen. ”While some praised the initiative, others criticized it as insincere, calling it a political stunt. However, expressions of faith on Fox News aren’t unprecedented, with previous instances of hosts discussing spirituality on air.

Critics pointed to the network’s past controversies and questioned the authenticity of the prayer within the context of its overall coverage. Despite this, Hegseth’s on-air prayer sparked a mixed response, reflecting diverse views among viewers regarding the intersection of faith and media. The gesture prompted dialogue and reflection on the role of religion in the public sphere. While some viewed it positively as a display of faith, others remained skeptical, highlighting the complexities surrounding discussions of spirituality in mainstream media. Ultimately, Hegseth’s decision to lead a prayer on air underscores the ongoing debate surrounding faith and its portrayal in the media, inviting viewers to contemplate the significance of religious expression in contemporary society.