CBS News’ “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan garnered attention on Thursday due to a peculiar social media post that many interpreted as critical of people who are religious.
The situation unfolded after Army Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed Operation Epic Fury during a serious early morning press conference. He expressed a commitment to honoring the six U.S. service members who lost their lives in a plane crash the previous week.
Hegseth stated, “May Almighty God continue to bless our troops in this battle. And again, my fellow Americans, please kneel and pray for them every day, with your families, in your schools, in your churches, in the name of Jesus Christ. Members of the military, please continue to move forward at the speed of God.”
Brennan later shared on X, noting, “The Secretary of Defense is telling Americans to bend the knee, pray for our troops, and chant the name of Jesus…”
This remark triggered responses, including one from Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who remarked, “The only place where something like this would be considered even remotely offensive is in Washington, D.C.” Similarly, Rep. Brandon Gill commented, “When you hear someone call the name of Christ, Democrats automatically react. What does that say?”
The White House’s official response account also criticized Brennan, stating, “The only people who get offended by praying for our troops are left-wing ‘reporters.’” Kingsley Wilson, a spokesperson for Hegseth, pointed out that this request mirrors what Americans have voiced since George Washington prayed for troops at Valley Forge.
Conservative commentator Jesse Kelly added, “Sometimes they come out and say what they think about you and your beliefs. Imagine what they say in private.” Sean Davis, co-founder of The Federalist, responded with, “Go shout about it. If all of our leaders did this, we’d be in a much better position as a country.” Furthermore, Erick Erickson suggested that Brennan “thinks this is controversial,” while Republican strategist Steve Guest accused her of attacking people of faith.
Pastor Josh Howerton remarked, “If this seems at all controversial, you will be understandably shocked when you read what the founders of our nation did, said, and prayed in the name of Jesus Christ during their reign.”
Many others also reacted to Brennan’s post. CBS News did not provide a comment regarding this incident. Brennan, known for her contentious exchanges with Trump administration officials, was also singled out last year as the biggest “hacker” in the media industry by listeners of a podcast.
