Pete Hegseth’s Shocking New Tattoo Sparks Controversy – Arabic Script Hidden Under His Arm Revealed

Critics Call It Islamophobic, Supporters Say It’s a Military Symbol – The Internet Erupts

Fox News host and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has once again found himself at the center of a heated controversy after eagle-eyed viewers spotted a previously unseen Arabic script tattoo on his arm.

The tattoo, which reads “kafir” (كافر)—an Arabic word meaning “disbeliever” or “infidel”—was revealed in a photo of Hegseth working out with Navy SEALs at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.

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While some dismissed it as just another addition to his extensive collection of tattoos, others slammed the ink as a blatant act of Islamophobia, fueling demands for his resignation amid growing scrutiny over his conduct.

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This latest uproar follows allegations that Hegseth compromised national security by leaking sensitive military plans for a strike in Yemen via a group text on the Signal app with fellow Trump administration officials.

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The Pentagon has yet to comment on either the alleged leak or the tattoo controversy.

Despite the backlash, Hegseth remains defiant, dismissing the uproar over his ink as nothing more than “political correctness run amok.”

“I served in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside men who embraced the term ‘kafir’ as a badge of honor. It’s not about hate—it’s about standing against those who seek to destroy freedom,” Hegseth stated.

The newly revealed “kafir” tattoo is positioned beneath his infamous “Deus Vult” tattoo, a Latin phrase meaning “God wills it”, which was used as a battle cry during the Crusades.

This combination has drawn fierce criticism, with many interpreting it as a direct message of hostility toward Islam.

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Activists: “This Is Islamophobia at the Highest Levels of Power”

Prominent voices have condemned the tattoo, arguing that it reinforces anti-Muslim sentiment at the highest levels of U.S. military leadership.

“This isn’t just some personal ink—it’s a clear, calculated statement,” said Nerdeen Kiswani, a New York-based pro-Palestinian activist.

“Hegseth just got a kafir (كافر) tattoo under his Deus Vult tattoo—a Crusader slogan. This is Islamophobia at the highest levels of power.”

Writer Tam Hussein echoed similar concerns, warning that Muslims worldwide would perceive this as an act of hostility.

“In the Quran, the word ‘kafir’ refers to a disbeliever. It’s not just a word—it carries deep historical and theological weight,” Hussein wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “For many Muslims, this will be seen as a declaration of war.”

Supporters Defend Hegseth: “It’s a Symbol of Defiance”

Despite the backlash, many military veterans and conservative commentators have defended Hegseth, arguing that the term “kafir” is widely used in military circles—particularly among those who served in the Middle East.

“People need to stop being so sensitive. This word has been embraced by veterans who fought Islamic extremists,” one supporter wrote. “Hegseth’s tattoo isn’t about Islamophobia—it’s about resilience.”

British journalist Dilly Hussain of 5 Pillars UK offered a different perspective, suggesting that Muslims shouldn’t be surprised by the tattoo.

“This isn’t just about Hegseth—this is about America’s entire foreign policy. His tattoos say the quiet part out loud,” Hussain noted.

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The Full Collection: Hegseth’s Tattoos Tell a Story

While Hegseth is no stranger to controversy, his body art has long been a topic of debate.

Over the years, he has amassed a collection of tattoos that reflect his faith, military service, and ideological beliefs.

Notable Tattoos Include:

Jerusalem Cross (Chest): A Christian symbol dating back to the Crusades, which has previously drawn accusations of right-wing extremism.

Deus Vult (Bicep): The famous Crusader phrase, which also appears in his book, American Crusade.

Cross & Sword (Forearm): Inspired by Matthew 10:34, a Bible verse that reads: “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

Chi-Rho Symbol (Upper Arm): An ancient Christian emblem representing the first two letters of “Christ” in Greek.

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Hegseth’s Response: “I Won’t Apologize”

Despite mounting criticism, Hegseth refuses to back down. He maintains that his tattoos are expressions of his faith, patriotism, and personal experiences—not messages of hate.

“I’ve been called an extremist, a bigot, and worse. But I won’t apologize for my beliefs,” he stated.

With the controversy showing no signs of slowing down, all eyes are now on the Pentagon—and whether the Biden administration will respond to the growing calls for Hegseth’s resignation.

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