Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and nominee for Secretary of Defense, has a large
Jerusalem cross tattooed on his chest and the Latin phrase
"Deus Vult" on his bicep. These tattoos, which are associated with the Crusades, have stirred controversy, with some critics linking them to far-right, Christian nationalist, or extremist ideologies. Hegseth has defended the ink, stating they are symbols of his Christian faith.
YouTube +3
Key Details Regarding the Tattoo Controversy:
- Jerusalem Cross: Located on his chest, this symbol, also known as the Crusader cross, dates back to the Crusades.
- "Deus Vult":Latin for "God wills it," this phrase is associated with the 11th-century Crusades
.
- Controversy and Security Concerns: In 2021, these tattoos were flagged by a fellow service member as potential "insider threat" indicators, leading to his removal from a National Guard detail securing Joe Biden's inauguration.
- Hegseth’s Response: Hegseth has dismissed accusations that the tattoos represent white nationalism, arguing that they are expressions of his Christian identity.
Other tattoos on his body include "We the People," the "Join, or Die" snake, and his Army regiment patch, which he describes as celebrating "faith, firepower, and freedom".