The U.S. Secretary of War, Hegseth, gave a prayer before the meal at a governors' dinner at the White House on the evening of February 21st local time (today's Beijing time).
"From George Washington to President Trump, for over 250 years, we have dedicated this country to one nation under God, and we certainly trust in God."
"We pray for our president, President Trump. Lord, grant him peace and wisdom. Lord, we also pray for our vice president, the First Lady, the Second Lady, the members of the cabinet present, all the governors present, and our civil officials."
"If I do not pray for our great army, for men and women around the world who are protecting our great country, it would be my failure. They have always done so for 250 years. May God protect them and bless them."
Comment: This is not a prayer before a meal, but a religious coronation of a war machine. Hegseth ties God, the president, and the military together, using faith to package power, and using prayer to 'bless' global military actions. With religion as a knife and force as a blade, it appears pious, but in reality, it is seeking sacred legitimacy for the coming confrontation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857786033613962/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.