Defense Secretary's controversial tattoo ignites global backlash
Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, has become the center of an international controversy. After the scandal involving the disclosure of attack plans on Yemen, the Pentagon chief is now facing criticism due to a word tattooed on his forearm. Some people claim it is a "symbol of Islamophobia."
What do you need to know?
- Pete Hegseth's tattoo: The U.S. Secretary of Defense has the Arabic word "kafir," which means "infidel," tattooed on his forearm.
- International reactions: The discovery of the tattoo has stirred controversy and accusations of Islamophobia.
- Additional symbols: Hegseth also bears other religious tattoos that reference the Crusades.
Why does Pete Hegseth's tattoo spark controversy?
During a visit to the Pearl Harbor military base in Hawaii, photos published on the official X account revealed Pete Hegseth's tattoo displaying the Arabic word "kafir."
The term in Islam means "infidel" and holds deep significance. Mustafa Akyol from the Cato Institute explains that "kafir" refers to someone who recognizes the truth of Islam but rejects it.
Tattoo on the Pentagon chief's forearm: "Clear symbol of Islamophobia"
The tattoo has ignited a wave of criticism. Palestinian-American activist Nerdeen Kiswani wrote on platform X that it is a "clear symbol of Islamophobia". Kiswani emphasizes that "kafir" has been used by the far right in the past.
As noted by the Counter Extremism Project, the term "kafir" has a complex history and has been used by extremist groups and American veterans as a symbol of resistance.
Another of Pete Hegseth's tattoos reads "Deus Vult," meaning "God Wills It." This expression is recognized as a rallying cry of the First Crusade.
First the Signal scandal, now the tattoo issue: Pentagon chief under fire
Tattoos aren't the only scandal associated with Hegseth. The Secretary of Defense is also under scrutiny due to the Signal Messenger scandal, which involves the leak of U.S. attack plans in Yemen. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, revealed that by joining the "Houthi PC small group" chat, he had access to classified information regarding military operations.
Source: WP/X/"Fakt"
