Pete Hegseth, a prominent Fox News anchor and former National Guard member, has garnered significant attention not only for his political commentary but also for the extensive collection of tattoos adorning his body. These aren’t just random designs; they are a carefully curated ensemble of symbols that have sparked considerable debate and scrutiny. When people ask, what is Pete Hegseth’s tattoo?, they’re often seeking to understand the deeper meanings and potential ideologies embedded within this permanent artwork. This article delves into the intricate world of Pete Hegseth’s tattoos, exploring the historical context, religious significance, and controversial interpretations associated with each prominent symbol.
Decoding Hegseth’s Tattoos: A Symbol-by-Symbol Breakdown
Hegseth’s tattoos are a rich tapestry of Christian and American nationalist imagery, each with its own historical roots and contemporary connotations. Understanding what is Pete Hegseth’s tattoo truly entails dissecting these symbols individually and collectively.
The Jerusalem Cross: A Pilgrim’s Souvenir or Militant Statement?
One of the most striking and prominently displayed tattoos on Hegseth’s chest is the Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Crusader’s Cross. This symbol, characterized by a large central cross surrounded by four smaller crosses in each quadrant, has a long and varied history. Interestingly, the article highlights a historical precedent for this very tattoo. As noted in historical records, future King Edward VII and King George V of England both received Jerusalem Cross tattoos during their visits to Jerusalem in the 19th century, marking it as a traditional pilgrimage souvenir.
However, the sheer size and placement of Hegseth’s Jerusalem Cross tattoo raise questions beyond a simple act of pilgrimage commemoration. While historically, the Jerusalem Cross served as a memento for Christian pilgrims, its modern interpretation, particularly in the context of Hegseth’s other tattoos, becomes more complex. Some interpret the five crosses as representing the five wounds of Christ, or the four Gospels spreading from Jerusalem to the four corners of the earth. Yet, in certain circles, especially within far-right communities, it can take on a more militant symbolism, evoking the historical context of the Crusades.
Photos from Hegseth’s Instagram page show his tattoos, including the Crusader cross on his chest and “Deus Vult” on his bicep. At the bottom right, the Chi-Rho symbol can be seen just to the side of the Crusader cross. (Photos from Instagram)
The crucial point, as experts like Matt Lodder, a tattoo historian, suggest, is the scale of Hegseth’s tattoo. Unlike the small, quickly applied Jerusalem Cross tattoos traditionally given to pilgrims in Jerusalem, Hegseth’s is a large, elaborate piece, suggesting a deliberate statement rather than a subtle nod to tradition. This significant size shifts the potential meaning, moving it away from a personal religious souvenir towards a more public declaration.
Chi-Rho: Ancient Christogram, Modern Militancy?
Adjacent to the Jerusalem Cross, the Chi-Rho symbol is another prominent feature of Hegseth’s chest tattoo. This symbol, formed by the first two letters of “Christ” in Greek, is one of the earliest Christograms and generally considered an uncontroversial Christian symbol, often seen in churches and religious art. It represents Jesus Christ and his central role in Christianity.
However, the Chi-Rho also carries a deeper, more historically specific meaning that adds another layer to its interpretation in Hegseth’s tattoo collection. Historically, the Chi-Rho is famously associated with Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE. Legend states that Constantine had a vision of this symbol before the battle and, upon adopting it for his army’s shields, secured a decisive victory. This event is considered a turning point in Christian history, paving the way for Christianity to become the dominant religion of the Roman Empire.
Historian Mike Horswell points out that for those attuned to these historical associations, the Chi-Rho can evoke a narrative of Christian militancy and triumph, linking faith with military conquest. While the symbol itself can be seen as purely religious, its historical context within Constantine’s story introduces the element of Christian power and dominance achieved through military means. This historical resonance potentially aligns with a more assertive, even militant, interpretation of Christianity.
“Deus Vult”: The Crusader Battle Cry on Hegseth’s Bicep
Perhaps the most contentious tattoo in Hegseth’s collection is “Deus Vult,” emblazoned across his bicep. This Latin phrase, meaning “God Wills It,” is directly linked to the Crusades. Unlike the Jerusalem Cross or Chi-Rho, “Deus Vult” has a far less ambiguous and more historically charged meaning. It is widely recognized as the battle cry of the Crusaders, a rallying cry for religious war and conquest.
While some historical debate exists around the phrase’s exact origins and usage during the Crusades, its modern association with the Crusades is undeniable. Historians like Charlotte Gauthier emphasize that the strong connection between “Deus Vult” and the Crusades is largely a 19th-century construct, coinciding with a period of European nationalism and the romanticization of the medieval past. Regardless of its precise medieval usage, in contemporary understanding, “Deus Vult” unequivocally evokes the Crusades and their associated religious violence.
Experts like Thomas Lecaque, specializing in the intersection of religion and political violence, are unequivocal in their interpretation of “Deus Vult” in this context. He states, “There is no version of Deus Vult that means anything other than Crusader fanboy.” This leaves little room for alternative, innocent interpretations. The phrase, in this context, is a direct and unambiguous reference to religious militancy and historical conflict.
Sword and Cross: Violence in Plain Sight
Further reinforcing the theme of militancy is another tattoo featuring a sword piercing a cross. This symbol directly references a verse from the Gospel of Matthew in which Jesus states, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” This is a deliberately chosen, and arguably less commonly cited, verse that emphasizes a more confrontational aspect of Christian teachings.
Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian, aptly points out, “It’s not Jesus with the loaves and the fishes, is it?” This highlights the intentional selection of a symbol that emphasizes conflict and division rather than peace and reconciliation, which are also central themes within Christianity. The choice of the “sword” verse, juxtaposed with the cross, further solidifies the interpretation of Hegseth’s tattoos as leaning towards a militant and potentially violent expression of Christian faith.
American Nationalist Symbols: We the People, 1775, Join or Die, etc.
Beyond the overtly Christian symbols, Hegseth’s tattoo collection also includes prominent American nationalist imagery. These include the opening phrase of the U.S. Constitution, “We the People,” the year 1775 in Roman numerals (the start of the American Revolution), the “Join, or Die” snake, an American flag with an AR-15 rifle, and other patriotic symbols.
While individually these symbols represent American history and patriotism, their combination with the Christian symbols creates a potent blend of Christian nationalism. This fusion suggests an ideology where American identity is inextricably linked to a specific interpretation of Christian faith, one that is assertive, historically grounded in conflict, and potentially exclusionary.
The Far-Right Context and Interpretation
The constellation of symbols on Hegseth’s body has resonated strongly, and often controversially, within broader discussions about far-right ideology and Christian nationalism. The article highlights that many of these symbols, particularly “Deus Vult” and the Jerusalem Cross, have become increasingly common within far-right communities, appearing at events like the Charlottesville rally and in manifestos of far-right extremists.
Ben Elley, a researcher on far-right radicalization, emphasizes that while individual symbols might have multiple interpretations, their collection as a whole paints a clear picture. “That collection of symbols all together, it builds to a picture that’s very common in far-right communities.” The combination is not accidental; it is a deliberate assemblage designed to signal specific ideological affiliations.
The timing of Hegseth’s tattoos is also significant. Experts note that this particular “weaponized Christian tattooing culture” is a relatively recent phenomenon, emerging in the last decade, particularly around the time of Donald Trump’s rise in politics. This timing suggests a connection between these symbols and contemporary political movements and ideologies.
Conclusion
Answering the question, what is Pete Hegseth’s tattoo? requires a nuanced understanding of historical context, religious symbolism, and contemporary political discourse. While Hegseth may offer denials or alternative interpretations, the expert analysis presented in the original article strongly suggests that his tattoos are not merely innocent expressions of faith or patriotism. Instead, they constitute a carefully constructed visual statement that aligns with a militant form of Christian nationalism, drawing on historical narratives of conflict and dominance.
The sheer size, placement, and combination of these symbols, particularly “Deus Vult” and the sword and cross, leave little room for ambiguity regarding the intended message. As Eleanor Janega concludes, “It’s all very specifically violent. There is no way of reading this that isn’t about violence, when you have guns and swords all over you. He’s telling you this.” For those familiar with the historical and contemporary connotations of these symbols, Pete Hegseth’s tattoos serve as a stark and undeniable visual representation of a potentially dangerous ideology.
