the defense secretary is never going to be able to wash the blood from his hands. The 45-year-old, one of the strongest backers of the war on Iran, has said he wants “maximum lethality, not tepid legality” to the be the hallmark of the US military, and he’s been making good on that promise. Under his watch, a defense department program aimed at reducing civilian harm has been dismantled, and experts who provide guidance on keeping military operations in line with international law have been fired. And, of course, a school full of little girls has been bombed.

Hegseth doesn’t just have a dangerous disregard for rules of engagement, which he’s called “stupid”; he’s brought a disturbing level of bloodlust to his so-called Department of War. The pundit-turned-politician seems to take great delight in violence, imbuing it with a religious righteousness. On Wednesday, for example, Hegseth prayed for violence (as you do) during a Christian worship service held at the Pentagon. “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” Hegseth said in the prayer service. “Give them wisdom in every decision … and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”