Pete Hegseth has been involved in various controversies both before and during his time in the Donald Trump administration. However, his tattoos are the ones that have always sparked the most curiosity. For those unversed, the Secretary of Defense has acquired multiple tattoos over the years, which he says reflect his personal values.
Critics have often scrutinized his tattoos, which range from overly patriotic to outright controversial. For starters, the Army National Guard veteran has a modified American flag on his right arm that also features an assault rifle replacing the bottom stripe. Hegseth flaunts a “We the People” tattoo on his forearm, along with a “Join, or Die” illustration, which adds to his patriotic values.
The AP has a new “story” suggesting that Pete Hegseth was an “insider threat” because of “white supremacist” tattoos.
What made the tattoos “white supremacist?” Because one is of a cross, and another says “Deus Vult” — “God wills it.”
The regime hates Christians far more than… pic.twitter.com/Qy3KaaxjAN
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 15, 2024
In addition to those, the Defense Secretary also got the Roman numerals for the year 1775 inked, likely signifying the beginning of the War of Independence. Hegseth also has two tattoos reflecting his military service.
However, some of his tattoos have sparked controversies over the years, such as the Arabic word “Kafir” on his right bicep. Many see it as anti-Muslim, as the term refers to someone who doesn’t believe in Islam.
Hegseth also has a large Jerusalem Cross on his upper right chest and the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” on his right forearm. Although the term dates back to the First Crusades, in recent years, it has been used by white supremacist groups. Although the defense secretary insists that the tattoos simply reflect his faith, they have landed him in some trouble. Back in 2021, the National Guard asked him to skip Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony, which left Hegseth furious, and he left the military shortly afterwards.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revealed a new tattoo reading “kafir” (كافر), Arabic for “infidel,” inked just beneath his “DEUS VULT” tattoo.
Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/J1dKrCVnIP
— AF Post (@AFpost) March 27, 2025
The Trump staffer also has some more tattoos associated with his faith. He got himself inked with Jesus’ name in Hebrew, the Greek letters χ and ⍴. One of his religious tattoos include a cross with a sword inside. It is believed to be a reference to a Biblical verse.
Critics are concerned that Hegseth’s tattoos reflect on his conservative Christian principles. Critics have expressed concern that his religious views could affect the rights of non-Christians in the U.S., including people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Most of his ink art reflects on his years with the military and his faith. Despite having numerous arm tattoos, Hegseth has never got his fingers and knuckles inked.
