Bannon tells Hegseth to curb religious remarks during Iran briefings: 'Steps on what's important'

WASHINGTON, DC: Former White House strategist Steve Bannon on Thursday, April 16, advised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to scale back religious references during Pentagon briefings on the Iran conflict.

His remarks come as Hegseth faces scrutiny over his messaging style and criticism of media coverage. 

Steve Bannon urges focus on military messaging over religion

Speaking on his show 'War Room', Bannon praised recent Pentagon briefings for their clarity on operational matters, particularly commending Gen Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Adm Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, describing their explanation of the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a “briefing of precision.”

However, Bannon suggested that Hegseth’s use of religious language at the start of such briefings detracts from the primary message.

“My observation or recommendation: I don’t think I would start that with some references to the New Testament,” he said.

He added that while he viewed the references positively, their timing was an issue.

“That’s all the mainstream media is covering right now is Pete’s opening remark about the Gospel according to Mark and the reference to the Pharisees, which is, I think, great. It’s just when are you going to do it? I would not do it because it, it steps on what’s important,” he said.

Bannon emphasized that Pentagon briefings should remain focused on military capabilities and strategic objectives, arguing that such clarity is essential during an ongoing conflict. 

Pete Hegseth compares reporters to Pharisees

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday complained about an “endless stream of garbage” from the media in its coverage of the Iran war, comparing the Pentagon press corps to the Pharisees, the biblical Jewish group that often clashed with Jesus.

“As I just can’t help but notice the endless stream of garbage, the relentlessly negative coverage you cannot resist peddling, despite the historic and important success of this effort and the success of our troops,” Hegseth said during a briefing at the Pentagon.

“Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what side some of you are actually on,” he said.

He also compared journalists to the Pharisees, saying he drew inspiration from a sermon in church on Sunday that relayed a biblical passage depicting Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath Day, which the Pharisees came to watch.

“The Pharisees, the so-called and self-appointed elites of their time, they were there to witness, to write everything down, to report,” the Defense chief continued. 

“But … even though they witnessed a literal miracle, it didn’t matter. They were only there to explain away the goodness in pursuit of their agenda,” he added.