You might not expect to see news anchors leading prayer on air, as channels typically aim to remain secular for their audience. However, Fox News host Pete Hegseth had different plans.
Continue reading to learn more about this unexpected moment!
Fox News host Pete Hegseth invited “Fox & Friends” co-hosts and viewers to bow their heads in prayer on Sunday during a segment sponsored by a Bible app.
“We have more ‘Fox and Friends’ coming up, but you know what, this is a transition for transitions if you’ve ever had one,” he said with a laugh.
Weekend co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy joined in, saying, “So ‘Fox and Friends.’”
“This is very ‘Fox and Friends,’” Hegseth agreed, “so ready your heart.”
“It’s the 5th Sunday of Lent, and our prayer series continues with a reading from the Hallow app,” Hegseth continued. “We all need it, let’s do it this morning, close your eyes — if you would, bow your head.”
He then read the prayer from the Hallow app on-screen, while his co-hosts Campos-Duffy and Will Cain bowed their heads in respect.
“Jesus, today we begin the holy period of passion tide,” Hegseth read. “In these last 2 weeks of Lent, help us understand the mystery of your sacrifice and surrender, make us keenly aware of your love for us. We ask that you make yourself known to us, help us to feel the grace of your presence.”
Hegseth thanked Christ for the “selfless love shown on the cross” before concluding, “Thank you again to Hallow for this partnership during Lent.”
“Amen,” Campos-Duffy added.
According to the Huffington Post, Fox News aired part of the segment on Ash Wednesday in connection with the Hallow app sponsorship. Actor Mark Wahlberg was invited as a guest.
This isn’t the first time a Fox News host has expressed their faith on-air. Previously, on a segment about Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, host Kayleigh McEnany said, “I really believe he thinks God is leading the way — this will all get figured out.”
“To everyone out there, pray for him as our speaker,” co-host Ainsley Earhardt said in the same episode about Johnson. “Our country really needs some guidance from God right now.”
While everyone has the freedom to practice religion, some viewers felt that the on-air prayer was insincere. One person commented, “These people don’t praise God the rest of the time. It’s a political stunt to make you believe they do. Fox News spreads falsehoods and conspiracy theories, remember they paid a hefty fine for doing so. Hypocrisy at its best!!”
Another added, “about as religious as a rock.” Another viewer wrote, “These people praying is a joke. They sit there every day and lie through their mouths. You never hear the truth about anything. So please give me a break.”
However, not everyone was skeptical of the prayer; many thought it was a positive initiative.
What are your thoughts on hosts leading prayer on air? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation on this topic!
