In 1862, Prince Albert, the future King Edward VII of England, visited Jerusalem and recorded in his diary that he had been tattooed by “a native.” Two decades later, his son, the future King George V, had a similar experience, writing to his mother about being tattooed by the same person, with the same design—the Jerusalem Cross. This cross, also known as the Crusader Cross, features a larger central cross with a smaller cross in each of its four quadrants.
Recently, the Jerusalem Cross has gained attention due to Fox News anchor and former National Guard member Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, selected by former President Trump as his nominee for Secretary of Defense, has the symbol prominently tattooed on his chest, far larger than the versions seen on King Edward VII or George V. Hegseth’s tattoos go beyond the Jerusalem Cross. Among them is a “Chi-Rho,” an early Christian symbol consisting of the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ. Also featured is “Deus Vult” (“God Wills It”), a phrase linked to the Crusades and often considered a battle cry. Other symbols on his body include a cross with a sword, a reference to a passage from the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus speaks of bringing a sword, not peace. Across his elbow is the Hebrew name for Jesus, “Yeshua.”
Hegseth’s tattoos also draw from American history, such as “We the People” from the U.S. Constitution, the year “1775” in Roman numerals marking the start of the American Revolutionary War, a “Join, or Die” snake, a symbol from the American Revolution, and references to his military regiment.
His tattoos have sparked controversy, with critics associating them with far-right ideologies, including white nationalism. However, Hegseth has denied such associations, countering that his tattoos are expressions of Christianity. While the true intentions behind any individual’s tattoos are ultimately personal, a closer examination of these symbols reveals an undeniable connection to militant Christian iconography, notably the Crusades, one of the most violent periods in Christian history. These symbols have frequently appeared among far-right groups, from the Charlottesville rally to the manifesto of Norwegian shooter Anders Breivik and the weapons used in the Christchurch massacre.
Although these symbols have deep historical roots, they have been reassembled in Hegseth’s tattoos over the past decade, around the time of Trump’s first presidential campaign. The use of these symbols represents a balancing act for the far right—signaling a particular ideology to supporters while maintaining plausible deniability to the wider public.
The tradition of tattooing Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem dates back centuries before the visit of Prince Albert, and the Jerusalem Cross has long been a popular design among pilgrims. Over time, the cross has come to symbolize various meanings. Some interpretations link the four smaller crosses to the four Gospels, with the larger cross representing the crucifixion itself. Other interpretations refer to the five wounds of Christ on the cross, while some view it as a symbol of evangelism and the spread of Christianity worldwide.
The Jerusalem Cross was adopted by the Franciscans, a Christian monastic order that took responsibility for the holy sites in Jerusalem in the 13th century. Christian pilgrims, including kings, bishops, and common folk, returned home with these tattoos, often losing the connection to the Crusades. The Jerusalem Cross thus carries dual meanings—one militant and the other peaceful, depending on the context.
Matt Lodder, an expert in pilgrim tattoos, points out that while pilgrims’ tattoos were typically small and quick, Hegseth’s tattoo is notably large and meticulously detailed, suggesting an intentional statement. “Sometimes more controversial symbols are hidden, but this one is not meant to be concealed,” Lodder explains.
The Chi-Rho, another symbol on Hegseth’s body, has layers of meaning. While it can simply represent Christ, it also carries a historical connection to Roman Emperor Constantine. According to legend, Constantine saw the Chi-Rho in a dream before a decisive battle in 312 CE and subsequently won, leading to Christianity becoming the Roman Empire’s official religion. This victory marks a turning point in early Christian history, and for some, it symbolizes Christian militancy.
Historians such as Mike Horswell and Thomas Lecaque acknowledge that the Chi-Rho carries a potent story of Christian militarism, though they note that Hegseth may not be consciously aware of these associations. “Could it be a far-right meme? Absolutely,” Lecaque suggests.
Both the Chi-Rho and the Jerusalem Cross have dual interpretations—one militant and one peaceful. This ambiguity provides a convenient form of plausible deniability for Hegseth and others who adopt these symbols, allowing them to claim innocence while signaling allegiance to far-right ideologies.
Perhaps the most overtly controversial tattoo on Hegseth’s body is the phrase “Deus Vult” across his bicep. While the phrase itself may appear neutral, its historical context ties it directly to the Crusades, making its use unmistakably linked to Christian militancy. Although some historians dispute claims about the phrase’s early use, it has become firmly associated with the Crusaders and their violent campaigns, particularly in the 19th century.
In conclusion, the complex symbolism of Hegseth’s tattoos cannot be easily dismissed. While each symbol can be interpreted in multiple ways, together they form a picture of Christian nationalism with deep historical ties to militant Christianity. Whether Hegseth’s tattoos are intended to reflect this ideology or simply represent personal beliefs is unclear, but they undeniably evoke a powerful narrative rooted in the Crusades and far-right symbolism.
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