Muslims see Islamophobia in everything that appears these days. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s new “kafir” tattoo has sparked outrage among Muslim activists, who say it represents dangerous Islamophobia. Muslim activists have expressed outrage over Hegseth’s tattoo, which features the Arabic term “kafir,” meaning unbelievers. The tattoo is placed below another contentious marking that reads “Deus Vult,” a Crusader slogan.
Controversial Ink Sparks Outrage
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has become the center of controversy after revealing a new tattoo featuring the Arabic word “kafir,” which translates to “unbeliever” or “infidel.” The tattoo has drawn sharp criticism from Muslim activists and left-wing commentators who view it as an inflammatory symbol, particularly given Hegseth’s position overseeing U.S. military operations worldwide. The placement of this tattoo beneath another reading, “Deus Vult” (God Wills It), a battle cry associated with the Crusades, has further intensified the backlash.
Prominent pro-Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani has been among the vocal critics, suggesting the tattoos reflect broader anti-Muslim sentiment potentially influencing American foreign policy. The controversy comes at a sensitive time when the Defense Department faces scrutiny over its approach to conflicts in predominantly Muslim regions. Critics question whether someone with such visible symbols should hold a position that requires diplomatic sensitivity and inclusive leadership.
Images circulating online show Hegseth with a tattoo on the inner bicep of his right arm, written in Arabic as "Kafir," a term meaning non-believer or infidel.
The tattoo was visible in photos Hegseth posted on Wednesday while visiting a military base in Hawaii, dressed in… pic.twitter.com/2Yxg2dizR8
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) March 27, 2025
Muslim Activists Condemn Symbolism
The tattoos have been interpreted by critics as symbolizing what some term “Christofascism”—an “alleged merging of Christian doctrine with authoritarian governance ideals. Muslim advocacy groups have expressed particular concern about the “kafir” tattoo, as this term has historically been used in contexts that create division between Muslims and non-Muslims. Critics argue that for the Secretary of Defense to display such imagery sends a troubling message about American attitudes toward Islamic nations and communities.
Social media platforms have seen intense debate over the tattoos, with many users questioning Hegseth’s judgment and suitability for his cabinet position. The controversy extends beyond the specific tattoos to broader questions about the appropriate boundaries between personal religious expression and public service responsibilities. However, it is only a tattoo, not an indicator of impending doom.
That's all we know about Hegseth's tattoos. Lots of Christian symbolism from different eras, a lot of militarism and now an open anti-Muslim taunt
It's questionable whether Christianity even allows tattoos — there is a theological debate
What is your favorite one — if any? pic.twitter.com/Rf242irAct
— RT (@RT_com) March 27, 2025
Defense and Confirmation Controversies
This is not the first time Hegseth’s body art has sparked debate. During his confirmation process, left-wing commentators raised concerns about his tattoos, with some suggesting connections to white supremacist ideologies. Despite these objections, Hegseth was confirmed as Secretary of Defense under President Trump’s administration. Supporters have defended his right to personal religious expression, arguing that critics are misinterpreting the meaning behind the tattoos.
The controversy highlights the challenge of distinguishing between personal religious expression and public political stance in today’s polarized environment. For supporters, the tattoos represent Hegseth’s personal faith journey and military service. For critics, they symbolize a concerning worldview that potentially influences national security policy. The debate continues to unfold as Americans grapple with questions about religious symbolism in public service and the responsibilities of high-ranking government officials.
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- Pete Hegseth’s Arabic tattoo stirs controversy.