U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing intense backlash after revealing a controversial tattoo that reads "كافر" (kafir) in Arabic, which translates to "infidel" or "non-believer." The tattoo was prominently displayed in photos shared on his social media account, X, during a recent visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. Critics argue that the tattoo, which sits just below another tattoo reading "Deus Vult," a phrase historically linked to the First Crusade, signals a troubling anti-Muslim sentiment from the man overseeing U.S. military operations.
The term "kafir" has deep roots in Islamic theology, traditionally referring to individuals who reject or deny Islamic beliefs. However, in recent years, it has been co-opted by far-right groups to mock and vilify Muslims. Nerdeen Kiswani, a pro-Palestinian activist based in New York, voiced her concerns on X, stating, "This isn't just a personal choice; it's a clear symbol of Islamophobia from the man overseeing U.S. wars." She emphasized that this tattoo could have serious implications for U.S. foreign policy and military actions in predominantly Muslim regions.
Nihad Awad, the Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), condemned Hegseth's tattoo as "a display of both anti-Muslim hostility and personal insecurity." He noted that the visible use of such a term by a high-ranking official raises concerns about potential bias in military decisions affecting Muslim populations both domestically and abroad. Awad remarked, "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."
This incident is not Hegseth's first controversy involving tattoos. He has previously faced criticism for displaying tattoos that reference Crusader imagery, particularly the phrase "Deus Vult," which translates to "God wills it" in Latin. This slogan has historical ties to the Christian Crusades against Muslim territories and has been associated with far-right extremist groups in modern times.
Hegseth's new tattoo has intensified concerns among advocacy groups about the potential Islamophobic undertones within the Department of Defense's leadership. The backlash comes at a time when Congress is already scrutinizing Hegseth and other officials over a recent leak involving operational details of U.S. military actions in Yemen. Several members of Congress have called for Hegseth's resignation amid the unfolding controversy.
In a statement regarding the tattoo, Tam Hussain, an award-winning investigator and writer, said, "To the Muslim world, the tattoo will be seen as an open declaration of Hegseth's enmity towards them, which will be confirmed by the bombing of a hospital in Yemen." Hussain's remarks highlight the potential for Hegseth's actions to exacerbate already tense relations between the U.S. military and Muslim communities.
Hegseth's tattoos have become a recurring theme in discussions about his leadership style and beliefs. He has over a dozen tattoos, including the Jerusalem Cross, which has a long history in Christianity but has recently been co-opted by some far-right groups as a symbol of the fight for Western civilization. During his confirmation hearing in February 2025, Hegseth addressed the topic of his tattoos, stating, "Things like focusing on extremism have created a climate inside our ranks that feels political when it hasn't ever been political. Those are the types of things that are going to change."
As the controversy surrounding Hegseth's tattoo continues to unfold, members of the public and advocacy groups are calling for accountability and an investigation into his actions. The implications of such a high-ranking official displaying a term associated with anti-Muslim sentiment cannot be understated, particularly as the U.S. military seeks to reflect a diverse range of faiths among its ranks.
According to estimates, between 5,000 to 6,000 members of the U.S. military practice Islam, underscoring the importance of fostering an environment of respect and understanding within the armed forces. Hegseth's tattoo, viewed through this lens, raises serious questions about his capacity to lead a diverse military force.
Critics argue that Hegseth's tattoos reflect a troubling trend among some military leaders who embrace symbols associated with far-right ideologies. As the debate over his tattoo continues, it serves as a reminder of the broader cultural conflicts at play within the U.S. military and society at large. The intersection of personal beliefs, military identity, and public perception will likely remain a contentious topic as the fallout from Hegseth's tattoo continues to develop.
In response to the backlash, Hegseth has maintained that his tattoos are expressions of his personal beliefs and experiences. However, as the scrutiny intensifies, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact his role as Secretary of Defense and the broader implications for U.S. military policy in relation to Muslim communities.
As the public awaits further developments, the tattoo controversy serves as a flashpoint for discussions about Islamophobia, military leadership, and the responsibilities of those in power to represent the diverse fabric of American society.
