Pete Hegseth’s Department of War (DOW) has unveiled an updated roster of religious designations, following a heated controversy over the exclusion of Mormons from being classified as Christians.
On Monday, the DOW acknowledged the “error” after receiving strong criticism from Mormon lawmakers, including several fervent supporters of Donald Trump, who found the decision “offensive” and “distasteful.”
In a message on X, the DOW stated, “A draft list of streamlined faith codes was circulated to the press last week. This Pentagon list contained redundant and unnecessary labels, and we have now corrected the oversight.”
Last Friday, the Pentagon revealed a restructured compilation of recognized religious affiliations, reducing the number from more than 200 to just 31, notably omitting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Christian category.
Previously, Christian denominations were listed with descriptors like “Christian – Baptist” or “Christian – Catholic,” yet the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not receive the same prefix.
The Pentagon’s revised list has notably refrained from labeling the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as “Christian,” yet in what seems to be a compromise, it has removed the “Christian” prefix from all denominations.
Senator Mike Lee of Utah, who said that he discussed the matter with Trump, welcomed the news, writing on X: ‘I agree with this statement, and am grateful to [Pete Hegseth] for correcting the error.’
He quoted the Pentagon’s statement in his post, writing: ‘The Pentagon’s job is not to adjudicate theological debates, but instead to ensure sincerely-held faith is respected and encouraged in our ranks.’
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet attend as Mentalist Oz Pearlman hosts The White House Correspondents Dinner at Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC
The Mormon Temple, the centerpiece of Temple Square in Salt Lake City
Lee, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, earlier on Monday said he had spoken to Trump and suggested that the President was prepared to intervene on the controversy. At the time, he blasted the change as ‘offensive’ and called it repugnant to any sense of decency.’
He said that Hegseth, an evangelical Christian, and the government should not ‘weigh in on doctrinal disputes between various religious denominations.’
The Senator said of his conversation with Trump: ‘I won’t speak for him, but I’m thrilled about where this is heading… We’re most fortunate that President Trump (1) loves Latter-day Saints, and (2) is our commander in chief.’
Former Utah Congressman and current Fox News commentator Jason Chaffetz was also among the prominent Republicans who criticized the Department of War (DOW).
‘DOW needs to correct the record. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints truly are Christians,’ Chaffetz posted on X on Sunday evening.
‘I happen to be a member, and first and foremost, I believe in Jesus Christ. We are Christians,’ the former Congressman added.
Senator Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, quoted Lee’s post, adding: ‘I don’t know why but I am with you. This needs be fixed ASAP.’
Lee’s Utah colleagues also demonstrated their displeasure at the Pentagon’s announcement.
Senator Mike Lee speaks with members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus during a news conference on Capitol Hill in September of 2023, in Washington, DC
A list of the new religious designations shared by the Department of War’s Rapid Response account
Senator Mike Lee on X, shared a list of the new faith categorizations from the Pentagon
Fellow GOP Senator John Curtis, who is also a Mormon, wrote on X: ‘Latter-day Saints are among the most patriotic, service-oriented individuals in our country. They are also unequivocally Christian—just look at who is in the name of the Church.’
‘It is unacceptable for a government entity to characterize a faith in a manner that contradicts the religion’s own foundational tenets. I am working now to ensure a correction is made,’ Curtis added.
Republican Congressman Mike Kennedy, also of Utah, wrote on X, ‘I’m a Latter-day Saint, and I am a Christian. Christ’s name is on our Church for a reason. This must be corrected.’
The military is religiously diverse, and nearly 70 percent of troops identify as Christian, according to a 2019 congressional report. Almost a quarter of troops were listed as other, unclassified or unknown.
