Pete Hegseth, a prominent Fox News host and former Army National Guard Major, is facing intense scrutiny regarding his tattoos, particularly in light of speculation about a potential role in a future administration. The controversy centers around whether some of his chosen symbols align with or are associated with far-right or even Nazi ideologies. This article delves into the tattoos in question, the accusations leveled against Hegseth, and the broader context surrounding the debate.
Concerns initially surfaced when Hegseth was reportedly removed from inauguration security duty for President Joe Biden in January 2021. According to Hegseth, this was due to the Jerusalem Cross tattoo prominently displayed on his chest, which was allegedly deemed “extremist” by his National Guard unit. This incident brought Hegseth’s tattoos into the public eye, sparking a debate that reignited recently amidst discussions about his potential political appointments.
One of the most debated tattoos is the Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Crusaders’ Cross. Critics point out that while historically a Christian symbol, it has been adopted by far-right groups. Matthew Taylor, an academic from the Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies, highlights this association, stating the Crusaders’ Cross has been “favored by those on the far-Right.” This raises questions about whether Hegseth’s choice of this symbol indicates any affiliation with extremist viewpoints.
Another tattoo fueling the controversy is “Deus Vult,” Latin for “God Wills It.” This phrase, historically a Crusader battle cry, has also been appropriated by far-right circles as a rallying cry, often used in anti-Islam rhetoric. The fact that “Deus Vult” are the concluding words in Hegseth’s book, War on Warriors, further intensifies the debate about the intended meaning and message behind this tattoo.
JD Vance, a prominent political figure, defended Hegseth amidst these accusations, denouncing the criticism as “disgusting anti-Christian bigotry.” Vance argued that attacking Hegseth for having a “Christian motto” tattooed on his arm is unfair and biased. This defense underscores the differing interpretations of these symbols and whether they should be viewed solely through a historical Christian lens or also acknowledge their appropriation by extremist groups.
Hegseth himself has addressed the controversy, stating he was labeled an extremist due to the Jerusalem Cross tattoo. He has not explicitly addressed the “nazi tattoo” accusation directly, but the implication is that he believes the criticism is unfounded and politically motivated. His supporters argue that these are Christian symbols with historical significance and that linking them to Nazism or extremism is a mischaracterization and an attack on his Christian faith.
However, experts like Dr. Taylor argue that the issue is not simply about the symbols’ historical Christian origins but their modern usage and connotations. Dr. Taylor notes the “very real problem of radicalisation in our military” and points out that these crusader tattoos have become “far-Right iconography.” He further elaborates, “There is an Islamophobia and hatred of Islam that underlines all this. Some of these talking points are neo-Nazi talking points. That doesn’t mean he [Hegseth] is a neo-Nazi but he is travelling down avenues that are verging on neo-Nazism.” This expert opinion highlights the complexity of the issue, suggesting that while Hegseth may not be a neo-Nazi, the symbols he chooses resonate with and are utilized by such groups.
It’s important to note that Hegseth has other tattoos that reflect his patriotism and military service. He sports a “We The People” tattoo, referencing the US Constitution, and a “Join or Die Snake” tattoo, a historical symbol of American colonial unity. He also has a tattoo representing his army regiment, “Ne Desit Virtus,” meaning “Let Valour Not Fail.” Additionally, he has a tattoo with Hebrew lettering spelling “Yeshuah,” a symbolic representation of Jesus for some Christians. These tattoos offer a broader picture of Hegseth’s self-identification as a patriot, a military man, and a Christian.
The debate surrounding Pete Hegseth’s tattoos raises critical questions about symbolism, interpretation, and the potential for misinterpretations. While Hegseth and his defenders may view these tattoos as expressions of faith and patriotism, critics argue that the adoption of some of these symbols by far-right and extremist groups cannot be ignored. The question of whether these tattoos are “nazi tattoos” is perhaps an oversimplification, but the controversy underscores the need for public figures, especially those with potential political power, to be mindful of how their chosen symbols are perceived in a complex and politically charged environment. As the scrutiny continues, the conversation around Pete Hegseth’s tattoos serves as a reminder of the power of symbols and the importance of understanding their multifaceted meanings.
