Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is under fire following the emergence of photos showing controversial tattoos during a recent military training exercise at Pearl Harbor.The images, which surfaced last week, reveal that Hegseth has the Arabic word “kafir” inked beneath his right bicep. The term, which appears in the Quran, refers to an individual who disbelieves or rejects faith in God.

The Arabic tattoo is positioned near another inscription reading “Deus Vult,” a Latin phrase historically associated with the First Crusade.

Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), issued a sharp statement in response.

Pete Hegseth/ Secretary of Defense account on X

→ Swipe to see more articles

Related Posts

GMA Viewers Left Tearful as Ginger Zee Says Her Final Goodbye After a Decade on the Show—In a Heartfelt Moment, Zee Reflects on Her Journey, Expressing Gratitude for the Support of Her Colleagues and Fans. What Did Zee Say That Left Co-Hosts and Viewers in Tears? The Full, Touching Story Behind This Bittersweet TV Farewell!

This Icon Embraced Aging Naturally & Broke the Record as the Oldest Tony Winner at 90 – See Her Now

Deborah Norville Suddenly Leaving Inside Edition—The Untold Story Behind Her Stunning Decision and What She’s Planning Next! After decades anchoring one of TV’s most beloved shows, Deborah Norville’s unexpected departure has left fans in disbelief. What pushed the iconic host to walk away? Rumors of family pressures, behind-the-scenes drama, and secret opportunities swirl wildly. The real reason behind Norville’s sudden exit could change everything you thought you knew about the legendary anchor—her future plans will leave viewers stunned!

HEARTBREAKING MOMENT: Fox News Host Lawrence Jones Shares His Mother’s Brave Decision to Keep Him at 16—”THANK YOU, MOM, FOR KEEPING ME!” The Touching Story of a Teenage Mother’s Life-Altering Choice Sends Shockwaves Through Viewers, Leaving Many in Tears. What Did She Go Through to Make This Heart-Wrenching Decision? Get the Full, Emotional Details of This Unbelievable TV Moment!

Reporter Can’t Breathe After Jasmine Crockett’s Outrageous On-Air Confession — Studio Left in Total Chaos! It started as a calm exchange… until Jasmine Crockett dropped a claim so wildly unexpected, the reporter lost it—literally bursting into laughter live on air. The moment turned from awkward to explosive in seconds, leaving the studio in stunned silence. Cameras kept rolling as jaws dropped and whispers erupted behind the scenes. Viewers are still asking: Did she really just say that out loud? You won’t believe what came next…

FOX NEWS SHOCKER: Dana Perino and Jeanine Pirro STORM Kat Timpf’s World With a JAW-DROPPING Surprise Visit That’s Melting Hearts Nationwide! Behind-the-Scenes Tears and Raw Emotion UNITE These Powerhouse Women in an UNFORGETTABLE Show of Sisterhood! What SPARKED This Soul-Stirring Moment? Are There HIDDEN Secrets Behind Their Bond? Dive Into the Heart-Wrenching, Viral Drama That’s Got Fans Sobbing and X Exploding!

“It appears Islam lives so rent-free in Pete Hegseth’s head that he feels the need to stamp himself with tattoos declaring his opposition to Islam alongside a tattoo declaring his affinity for the failed Crusaders, who committed genocidal acts of violence against Jews, Muslims and even fellow Christians centuries ago,” Awad said.

The Context

Pete Hegseth, who openly identifies as a Christian, frequently emphasizes how deeply his faith influences both his personal life and his public persona.
His religious convictions are not only evident in his words but also permanently marked on his body through a number of tattoos that reflect his beliefs, patriotism, and overall worldview. Among these tattoos are significant religious symbols. On his bicep, he has “Deus Vult“—Latin for “God wills it“—a phrase historically associated with the First Crusade.He also bears a tattoo of a cross paired with a sword, which represents a personal interpretation of Matthew 10:34, a Bible verse that states, “not peace, but a sword.”

Another prominent tattoo is the Jerusalem cross, a symbol from the time of the Crusades, which, according to Hegseth, played a role in his removal from National Guard duties during President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

What to Know

That particular slogan has long been tied to violent religious campaigns waged centuries ago, and both tattoos have drawn widespread condemnation from critics who see them as hostile symbols directed toward Muslims.

Hegseth has described one of the tattoos at the time as a Jerusalem Cross, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of his Christian faith.

As criticism mounts, Secretary Hegseth has not issued a public response regarding the newly surfaced images or the renewed allegations.