Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Faces Backlash Over Controversial Tattoos

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is drawing criticism after photos surfaced showing tattoos that many find offensive, taken during a recent military training exercise at Pearl Harbor.

The images, which emerged last week, show Hegseth with the Arabic word “kafir” inked beneath his right bicep. In Islamic culture, “kafir” refers to a person who rejects or disbelieves in God. Alongside this, the photo reveals another tattoo of “Deus Vult,” a Latin phrase tied to the First Crusade, historically associated with violent religious conquests.

Nihad Awad, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), responded harshly to the tattoos, accusing Hegseth of flaunting symbols that he believes promote hostility toward Islam. “It appears Islam lives so rent-free in Pete Hegseth’s head that he feels the need to stamp himself with tattoos declaring his opposition to Islam alongside a tattoo declaring his affinity for the failed Crusaders,” Awad said, referring to the Crusaders’ violent history against Muslims, Jews, and even other Christians.

Understanding Hegseth’s Tattoos

Pete Hegseth, a devout Christian, has long been outspoken about how his faith shapes his life and career. His tattoos serve as a personal testament to these beliefs. The “Deus Vult” tattoo, which translates to “God wills it,” is a reference to the First Crusade, a violent religious campaign from the Middle Ages.

In addition, Hegseth sports other tattoos that reflect his worldview, such as a cross paired with a sword, a symbol inspired by Matthew 10:34, where Jesus speaks of bringing a sword, not peace. He also has a Jerusalem Cross, another symbol linked to the Crusades, which Hegseth says was part of the controversy that led to his removal from National Guard duties during President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

Controversial Symbols in Modern Context

While Hegseth’s tattoos are deeply personal, they have sparked significant debate due to their historical associations with violence. Critics argue that the Crusade-related imagery, particularly in the context of modern politics, may signal hostility toward Muslims. Hegseth, however, has defended these symbols as expressions of his Christian faith, not as endorsements of violence. His tattoos continue to be a point of contention as the debate over their meaning and the messages they convey rages on.

Hegseth has described one of the tattoos at the time as a Jerusalem Cross, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of his Christian faith.

As criticism mounts, Secretary Hegseth has not issued a public response regarding the newly surfaced images or the renewed allegations.