Pete Hegseth, a Fox Information host and Military Nationwide Guard veteran just lately nominated by former President Donald Trump to go the Division of Protection, is below scrutiny as a result of a controversial tattoo.
Critics have raised issues in regards to the tattoo, which some affiliate with a white supremacist group, and have labeled him an ‘insider menace’ throughout the army.
‘White Supremacist’ Tattoo
The controversy revolves round a tattoo on Hegseth’s bicep that reportedly has ties to extremist symbolism. A fellow Nationwide Guard member, who was liable for safety and anti-terrorism efforts within the unit, flagged this tattoo in an e mail to management.
The tattoo in query reads “Deus Vult,” a phrase traditionally linked to the Crusades and just lately adopted by white nationalist teams. The whistleblower expressed concern that the tattoo might point out Hegseth’s alignment with extremist ideologies, doubtlessly posing an ‘insider menace throughout the army ranks.
Previous Controversies and Army Involvement
This newest controversy provides to Hegseth’s historical past of provocative statements and actions associated to army points. Within the wake of the January 6, 2021, Capitol assault, Hegseth was criticized for downplaying the function of army veterans concerned within the assault.
He dismissed issues over extremism within the ranks, a stance that additional fueled criticism. Throughout his media appearances, Hegseth portrayed the rioters as “patriots” motivated by love for his or her nation, reasonably than as home extremists. This attitude was sharply at odds with the broader public and army response to the violence on the Capitol.
Tensions with the Pentagon and Extremism within the Ranks
Hegseth has additionally been vocal in his opposition to the Pentagon’s efforts to handle extremism throughout the army. He has publicly criticized the Division of Protection’s deal with figuring out and rooting out extremist views amongst service members. Hegseth himself was reportedly faraway from his submit through the inauguration of Joe Biden after being “unfairly” flagged as an extremist as a result of one other tattoo, which he claimed led to his exclusion from the occasion.
His criticism of the army’s dealing with of extremism, mixed along with his controversial feedback following January 6, has made him a divisive determine, particularly relating to addressing radicalization throughout the ranks.
All through his profession, Hegseth has repeatedly downplayed the extent of extremism within the army. His feedback in regards to the January 6 rioters, specifically, recommend an inclination to sympathize with right-wing teams whereas minimizing their function within the assault on the U.S. Capitol.
In his public statements and writings, Hegseth has steered that America’s security is being undermined by what he views as an overemphasis on home threats like extremism, pointing to efforts comparable to army gown codes and the Pentagon’s deal with figuring out radical parts within the ranks as misguided.
