Pete Hegseth isn't exactly a quiet guy. Whether he’s on a Fox News set or stepping into a massive political role, he tends to make a splash. But honestly, it’s the ink under his shirt that has caused the most noise lately. People are scouring the internet for pete hegseth tattoos images, trying to figure out if they’re seeing a devout Christian or something much more controversial.
It’s wild how a bit of skin art can become a matter of national security. Back in 2021, Hegseth was actually pulled from his National Guard duty during Joe Biden’s inauguration. Why? Because a fellow service member flagged his tattoos as a potential "insider threat." That’s a heavy label for a Major who’s deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Jerusalem Cross: Faith or Flag?
The most visible piece in many pete hegseth tattoos images is the large Jerusalem Cross on his chest. It’s a central cross surrounded by four smaller ones. If you ask Hegseth, he’ll tell you it’s purely about his faith. During his 2025 Senate confirmation hearings, he even pointed out that the same symbol was on the program for Jimmy Carter’s memorial service.
"It’s a Christian symbol. That’s all it is," he told podcaster Shawn Ryan.
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But context is everything in the military. The Jerusalem Cross was the emblem of the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusades. Because of that history, some extremist groups have "borrowed" it. It’s become a bit of a dog-whistle in certain circles. For the DC National Guard leadership in 2021, the combination of the symbol and the political climate was enough to make them nervous. They weren't just looking at the cross; they were looking at the whole vibe.
That "Deus Vult" Bicep Ink
If the chest piece was the spark, the bicep tattoo was the gasoline. Hegseth has the Latin phrase "Deus Vult" tattooed on his inner arm. It translates to "God wills it."
Historically, this was the battle cry of the First Crusade in 1096. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find the phrase all over far-right forums and alt-right memes. It’s often used to signal a "clash of civilizations" between the Christian West and Islam.
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DeRicko Gaither, the Guard member who flagged Hegseth, specifically mentioned this one. He saw it as a violation of Army rules against extremist imagery. Hegseth, for his part, thinks this is all "woke" nonsense. He views it as a personal expression of his "American Crusade"—which happens to be the title of one of his books.
A Quick Breakdown of the Other Ink
- The Sword and Cross: On his arm, he has a vertical sword wrapped in a cross. This refers to Matthew 10:34: "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."
- Yeshua: Right below that sword, he has "Yeshua" (Jesus in Hebrew) tattooed in bold script.
- The "Kafir" Controversy: More recently, images surfaced of a "Kafir" tattoo. This is the Arabic word for "infidel" or "non-believer." In military circles, some veterans wear it as a badge of defiance against groups like ISIS, but critics see it as straight-up Islamophobia.
Why the Images Keep Surfacing
You see these pete hegseth tattoos images everywhere now because they represent a massive cultural divide. To his supporters, they’re symbols of a "muscular Christianity" that isn't afraid to fight. They see a patriot who’s being "canceled" for his religion.
To his critics, the collection of symbols is a "pattern of behavior." They argue that while one tattoo might be a coincidence, five or six that all lean into Crusader imagery suggest a specific, militant ideology.
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It’s a weird spot for a Secretary of Defense to be in. Usually, these guys are known for their policy papers or their logistics skills. Hegseth is the first one where people are debating the theological implications of his bicep.
What This Actually Means for You
If you’re looking at these images, don’t just take the social media captions at face value. Symbols change. A cross can be a sign of peace for one person and a battle flag for another.
Actionable Insights:
- Check the Source: When you see a "leaked" photo, look for the original context. Many of these came from Hegseth’s own Instagram or Fox Nation specials.
- Understand the Army Policy: The military’s "insider threat" program (Instruction 1325.06) is what actually led to his removal from the inauguration. It’s not just about the tattoo; it’s about whether the symbol is "active" in extremist circles.
- Separate Faith from Politics: Many mainstream Christians use the Jerusalem Cross without any political intent. It’s important to distinguish between a centuries-old religious tradition and modern political branding.
Hegseth eventually left the Guard because of this. He felt he couldn't serve an institution that viewed his faith as a threat. Whether he’s right or wrong, those tattoos are now part of his permanent political record. They aren't just ink; they’re a statement of where he stands in the ongoing American culture war.