Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has indeed found himself at the heart of such a firestorm. This comes on the heels of recent discovery of a number of other tattoos with offensive intent. Photos shared on X show Hegseth with a visible tattoo of the Arabic word “kafir” written in stylized calligraphy. This term is often used in Islam as a slur against an unbeliever. This revelation has sparked widespread criticism and accusations of Islamophobia, with calls for an investigation into Hegseth and his involvement in a recent Signal leak.
Hegseth’s most visible tattoo is a controversial “kafir” tattoo. He has a Jerusalem cross tattooed on his chest, a sign that became popular during the Christian Crusades. This has attracted heightened scrutiny given its historical associations. A matching tattoo on their bodies is sported by Joe Biggs, one-time head of the far-right group Proud Boys.
The uproar has reached a new high after last week’s Signal leak, which published sensitive US military plans related to Yemen. At least eight members of Congress have called for an investigation into Hegseth and others involved in the leak. Calls for Hegseth’s resignation are echoing all across Capitol Hill. Representatives are rightly challenging him on his ability to effectively oversee the conduct of military operations—especially in Muslim-majority areas like Iraq or Afghanistan.
Activist and critic Nerdeen Kiswani urged the public to reject Hegseth’s tattoos. Specifically, she asked how they would affect his willingness and ability to serve as Secretary of Defense.
“This isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a clear symbol of Islamophobia from the man overseeing U.S. wars.” – Nerdeen Kiswani
There are worries beyond what Hegseth believes, but how those beliefs can come into play to shape military policies and actions. The US military has long and proudly represented a wide diversity of faiths. Only about 5,000 to 6,000 of its members truly practice the faith of Islam in HPS’s ranks.
“‘Kafir’ has been weaponized by far-right Islamophobes to mock and vilify Muslims. It’s not about his personal beliefs. It’s about how these beliefs translate into policy – how they shape military decisions, surveillance programs, and foreign interventions targeting Muslim countries.” – Nerdeen Kiswani
Hegseth’s tattoos have been controversial before. He has one other tattoo, “Deus Vult,” or “God Wills It.” This euphemism has been rightly criticized because of its association with the Crusaders’ call to arms.
“Tattooing the Arabic word kafir – which refers to someone who knowingly denies or conceals fundamental divine truths – on his body is a display of both anti-Muslim hostility and personal insecurity,” – Nihad Awad