Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing criticism following the release of photographs that display contentious tattoos acquired during a recent military training exercise at Pearl Harbor.
The images, which came to light last week, show that Hegseth has the Arabic word “kafir” tattooed beneath his right bicep. This term, found in the Quran, denotes a person who disbelieves or rejects faith in God.
Adjacent to this Arabic tattoo is another inscription that reads “Deus Vult,” a Latin phrase historically linked to the First Crusade.
Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), responded with a pointed statement. “It seems that Islam occupies such a significant space in Pete Hegseth’s mind that he feels compelled to mark his body with tattoos that express his opposition to Islam, alongside one that shows his admiration for the failed Crusaders, who perpetrated acts of genocide against Jews, Muslims, and even fellow Christians centuries ago,” Awad remarked.
Contextual Background
Pete Hegseth, who openly identifies as a Christian, often highlights the profound impact of his faith on both his personal and public life.
His religious beliefs are not only articulated in his statements but are also permanently inscribed on his body through various tattoos that symbolize his convictions, patriotism, and overall perspective. Among these tattoos are significant religious emblems. On his bicep, he has “Deus Vult”—Latin for “God wills it”—a phrase historically associated with the First Crusade.
Additionally, he has a tattoo of a cross accompanied by a sword, which reflects his personal interpretation of Matthew 10:34, a Bible verse that asserts, “not peace, but a sword.”
Another notable tattoo is the Jerusalem cross, a symbol from the Crusades, which Hegseth claims contributed to his removal from National Guard duties during President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.Key Information
This specific slogan has historically been associated with violent religious campaigns from centuries past, and both tattoos have faced significant backlash from critics who perceive them as antagonistic symbols aimed at Muslims.
Hegseth has referred to one of the tattoos as a Jerusalem Cross, highlighting its importance as a representation of his Christian beliefs.
As the criticism intensifies, Secretary Hegseth has yet to provide a public statement concerning the recently revealed images or the revived accusations.
