Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, who is facing criticism for his tattoos, broke his silence on Saturday regarding the controversy.


Pete Hegseth breaks silence on controversy over his tattoo: ‘Anti-Christian bigotry’

He said that while he didn’t mind being targeted, he was determined to ensure that the media’s targeting of Christians, conservatives, patriots, and everyday Americans would end on the first day at Trump’s department of defense.

Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran, has a Jerusalem Cross tattooed on his chest and Latin phrase “Deus Vult,” meaning “God wills it,” inked on his bicep, along with many other tattoos. Both the Jerusalem Cross and the phrase “Deus Vult” are associated with the Christian Crusades in the Middle East. These symbols are also considered by some to be common in Christian imagery. However, the “Deus Vult” tattoo has recently been linked by some to white supremacist groups, which is the primary reason for the controversy.

Hegseth responded to the controversy following a social media post from newly-elected vice president JD Vance, who criticised the news agency Associated Press (AP) for ‘attacking’ the Fox News host over his tattoo and accused them of ‘anti-Christian bigotry.’

Hegseth echoed Vance’s statement about ‘anti-Christian bigotry’ on X, saying:

“Amen @JDVance. Anti-Christian bigotry in the media on full display. They can target me — I don’t give a damn — but this type of targeting of Christians, conservatives, patriots and everyday Americans will stop on DAY ONE at DJT’s DoD.”

Earlier, AP Pentagon correspondent Tara Copp had shared on X that Hegseth was flagged as a possible “insider threat” by a fellow service member due to his tattoo. She also provided a link to an AP report supporting the claim.

Vance defended Hegseth, calling the AP’s reporting “disgusting anti-Christian bigotry.”

“They’re attacking Pete Hegseth for having a Christian motto tattooed on his arm. This is disgusting anti-Christian bigotry from the AP, and the entire organization should be ashamed of itself,” Vance wrote.

According to Olivia Troye, a former White House homeland security and counterterrorism adviser, Hegseth was banned from National Guard duty at President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration because military officials believed his tattoos might represent extremist symbols.