Pete Hegseth Under Fire for Controversial Tattoos Amid Military Training Exercise at Pearl Harbor

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing significant backlash following the revelation of photos showing controversial tattoos he sports, which were taken during a recent military training exercise at Pearl Harbor. The images, which surfaced last week, have raised serious concerns due to the inflammatory and provocative nature of the tattoos.

The tattoos in question include the Arabic word “kafir,” which is inked beneath Hegseth’s right bicep. The term, which is found in the Quran, refers to someone who disbelieves or rejects faith in God, typically used within Islamic theology. The presence of this tattoo has sparked immediate controversy, especially given Hegseth’s position as a senior U.S. government official and his public identity as a devout Christian.

Alongside the Arabic tattoo is another inscription that reads “Deus Vult,” a Latin phrase historically associated with the First Crusade. “Deus Vult,” which translates to “God wills it,” was used as a battle cry during the Crusades, a series of religious wars in the Middle Ages. The phrase has been controversial for its historical association with violent religious campaigns, and its display on Hegseth’s body has only intensified the debate.

The emergence of these photos has prompted widespread criticism, including sharp remarks from prominent figures. Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), issued a statement condemning Hegseth’s tattoos, particularly the Arabic inscription. “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, who committed genocidal acts of violence against Jews, Muslims and even fellow Christians centuries ago,” Awad said.

The controversy surrounding Hegseth’s tattoos raises questions about the boundaries of personal expression for public figures, particularly those in positions of significant authority within the U.S. military and government. While tattoos are often seen as a form of personal expression, their meaning can shift dramatically depending on the individual’s context and the symbolism attached to them. In this case, the combination of “kafir” and “Deus Vult” has become a flashpoint for debates surrounding religious intolerance, historical violence, and the role of religion in politics and government.

Pete Hegseth’s Faith and Religious Convictions

Pete Hegseth, a prominent conservative figure and a self-identified Christian, has long been outspoken about the influence of his religious beliefs on his personal and professional life. His faith is a central aspect of his identity, and he frequently emphasizes its importance in shaping his views on patriotism, American values, and national security. His tattoos are an extension of this, reflecting his personal religious convictions, his interpretation of historical events, and his worldview.

One of the tattoos that has garnered attention is “Deus Vult,” a Latin phrase that was widely used during the First Crusade. Historically, the phrase was chanted by crusaders as they marched into battle, a symbol of their belief that they were acting under the will of God. While some may view it as a symbol of Christian faith, others see it as a reminder of the violence and bloodshed associated with the Crusades, which saw the slaughter of Muslims, Jews, and even other Christians.

In addition to the “Deus Vult” tattoo, Hegseth also sports a cross paired with a sword, which he has described as representing his personal interpretation of a passage from the Bible, Matthew 10:34. The verse reads, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” This verse has been historically controversial due to its militant imagery, and Hegseth’s decision to get this tattoo further emphasizes his deeply held beliefs about the role of religion in both his personal life and the broader world.

Another tattoo of particular significance is the Jerusalem Cross, a symbol used during the Crusades to represent Christian control over Jerusalem. Hegseth has explained that the Jerusalem Cross played a role in his removal from his National Guard duties during President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021. At the time, Hegseth claimed that his tattoo was part of his religious identity and that he had no intention of offending anyone. However, the historical association of the Jerusalem Cross with religious warfare has made it a highly charged symbol for many people, particularly in the context of modern-day political and religious tensions.

The Controversial Symbolism of Hegseth’s Tattoos

While Hegseth may view his tattoos as personal expressions of faith, the public’s perception is far more divided. For some, the “Deus Vult” and “kafir” tattoos are symbols of deep-seated religious belief and historical pride. For others, they are reminders of the violence and intolerance associated with religious conflicts of the past.

The phrase “Deus Vult” is particularly contentious given its association with the Crusades, a period of intense violence against Muslims, Jews, and other religious groups. The Crusaders were responsible for massacres, forced conversions, and the destruction of religious and cultural sites in the name of Christianity. For many, the tattoo is seen as a glorification of a violent past, rather than a peaceful religious symbol.

The Arabic word “kafir” is similarly problematic. In Islamic theology, the term refers to someone who disbelieves in God, often used to describe non-Muslims or those who reject Islamic teachings. To some, having the word “kafir” tattooed on one’s body may seem like an act of defiance against Islam, a religion that Hegseth has publicly critiqued in the past. The pairing of this tattoo with “Deus Vult” has raised alarms about potential religious intolerance and bigotry, particularly at a time when religious divisions are already a source of significant tension in global politics.

Nihad Awad’s criticism of Hegseth’s tattoos reflects these concerns. His statement highlights how Hegseth’s tattoos, and the ideology they represent, may deepen divides and perpetuate stereotypes about Muslims and other religious minorities. By promoting symbols associated with religious violence and intolerance, Hegseth is inadvertently contributing to a larger narrative of religious conflict that continues to shape global politics today.

What’s Next for Pete Hegseth?

As the controversy surrounding Pete Hegseth’s tattoos continues to unfold, many are questioning the implications of his personal choices on his role as a public figure and government official. While Hegseth has defended his tattoos as personal expressions of faith, the larger conversation about the intersection of religion, politics, and symbolism remains contentious.

The backlash against Hegseth is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon, especially given the strong reactions from groups like CAIR, which has called for a deeper examination of the motivations behind Hegseth’s tattoos. It’s clear that the symbolism of these tattoos is about more than just personal expression—it is a reflection of the ideological and religious divides that continue to shape American society.

As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether Hegseth will make any public statements addressing the controversy or if he will stand by his tattoos as representations of his deeply held beliefs. For now, the attention surrounding his tattoos serves as a reminder of the power of symbols in shaping public perception and the ongoing challenges surrounding religious identity and expression in modern politics.