Pete Hegseth, former Fox News host and Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, has strongly denied allegations that his tattoos carry white supremacist symbolism, labeling the criticism as “anti-Christian bigotry.”
Hegseth, a military veteran, has a large Jerusalem Cross tattooed on his chest alongside the Latin phrase Deus Vult, which translates to “God wills it.” Both symbols trace back to the Christian Crusades in the Middle East and are commonly associated with Christian iconography.
“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,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
The controversy follows a report that, in 2021, an Army National Guard member flagged Hegseth as a potential “insider threat,” citing concerns that his Deus Vult tattoo had been used by white supremacists.
Vice President-elect JD Vance criticized the Associated Press’ coverage of the matter, calling it “disgusting anti-Christian bigotry.” “They’re attacking Pete Hegseth for having a Christian motto tattooed on his arm. The entire organization should be ashamed of itself,” Vance wrote in a post on X.
Hegseth also shared messages of support from individuals encouraged by his appointment. One message he posted read, “I know you’re busy, but I wanted you to know that my 17-year-old Kyle was considering joining the MN Army National Guard, and in the wake of your nomination, he decided to move forward.” Hegseth responded that he was “honored” by the message.
A vocal opponent of progressive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the military, Hegseth has pledged to roll back such policies if confirmed. His book, The War on Warriors, argues that these initiatives have weakened military recruitment efforts under the Biden administration.
Hegseth, 44, served in both Afghanistan and Iraq and holds degrees from Princeton University and Harvard University.
This is not the first time his tattoos have been a point of controversy. In 2021, he claimed he was removed from National Guard duties for President Biden’s inauguration due to his Jerusalem Cross tattoo. “I was deemed an extremist because of a tattoo by my National Guard unit in Washington, D.C., and my orders were revoked,” he said during a podcast interview. He recalled being informed by his commander that he was no longer needed but was given no further explanation.
Related topics: