President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has come under fire from the Associated Press (AP) over allegations that he sports a tattoo linked to white supremacy.
The AP report, authored by Tara Copp, claims that one of Hegseth’s tattoos is associated with extremist groups, but Hegseth has denounced these accusations as “anti-Christian bigotry,” emphasizing the religious meaning behind the ink.
The controversy centers around a tattoo on Hegseth’s bicep featuring the Latin phrase “Deus Vult,” which translates to “God wills it.” This phrase has historical roots in the Crusades, where it was used as a rallying cry by Catholic knights.
However, in recent years, it has been appropriated by some far-right and white supremacist groups, leading to its controversial modern connotation.
In her social media post on X, Copp noted that Hegseth “was flagged as a possible ‘Insider Threat’ by a fellow service member due to a tattoo he has that’s associated with white supremacists,” and shared a link to the report.
Hegseth emphasized that the tattoo is a reference to his Christian beliefs, not any extremist ideology. He further stated, “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 Department of Defense.”
Hegseth quickly responded to the accusations, condemning the AP for what he described as an attack on his Christian faith. “This is anti-Christian bigotry in the media on full display,” he wrote, joining others like Senator JD Vance, who came to his defense on social media.
Amen @JDVance. 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. https://t.co/TCZVWsxEAS
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 15, 2024
The origins of the controversy trace back to an incident when Hegseth was serving in the District of Columbia National Guard.
During preparations for Joe Biden’s inauguration, a fellow National Guard member reported concerns about Hegseth’s “Deus Vult” tattoo in an email to superiors, suggesting it made him a potential “Insider Threat” due to its alleged association with white supremacy.
As a result, Hegseth was pulled from his duties at the event, raising questions about the interpretation and implications of the tattoo.
According to the Washington Examiner, the phrase “Deus Vult” is deeply rooted in Christian history and is traditionally associated with the Crusades, a series of religious wars initiated by Catholic knights in the Middle Ages.
Religious groups, particularly those with historical ties to the Catholic Church, have continued to use the phrase in its original, spiritual context.
Hegseth’s tattoo of the Jerusalem Cross, another point of contention, has similar origins. The Jerusalem Cross features a larger central cross symbolizing Jesus Christ, surrounded by four smaller crosses representing the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Hegseth’s defenders argue that his tattoos are expressions of his Christian faith and military service, rather than symbols of hate.
They criticize the AP’s portrayal as an attempt to discredit a prominent conservative figure by associating his religious symbols with extremist ideologies.
Hegseth has vowed to combat what he sees as an ongoing media bias against Christians and conservatives, asserting that under his leadership, the Department of Defense will not tolerate such “targeting.”
The incident highlights a broader cultural clash over the interpretation of historical symbols, as phrases and imagery once tied to religious traditions are scrutinized in modern contexts.
Hegseth’s strong response signals a commitment to defending his beliefs and challenging what he considers unfair media narratives against conservative and Christian figures.
