US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sparked controversy again after unveiling a new tattoo that reads “kafir” (infidel), a term many consider Islamophobic.
The tattoo was visible in photos he posted on X while visiting a US Navy SEAL base in Hawaii.
Kicked off the day alongside the warriors of SDVT-1 at @JointBasePHH. These SEALs are the tip of the spear, masters of stealth, endurance, and lethality. America’s enemies fear them—our allies trust them. Proud to spend time with America’s best. pic.twitter.com/a7nenKpCuY
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) March 25, 2025
Critics argue that the tattoo, combined with his existing “Deus Vult” tattoo—a Crusader slogan—signals hostility towards Muslims. Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani condemned it, stating that “kafir” has been weaponized by far-right figures to vilify Muslims.
Hegseth just got a kafir (كافر) tattoo under his Deus Vult tattoo—a Crusader slogan. This isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a clear symbol of Islamophobia from the man overseeing U.S. wars.
“Kafir” has been weaponized by far-right Islamophobes to mock and vilify Muslims. It’s… https://t.co/PJpMVOSZni
— Nerdeen Kiswani (@NerdeenKiswani) March 26, 2025
Writer Tam Hussain also criticized the move, warning that it could be perceived as an open declaration of enmity toward the Muslim world.
Not a good look for secretary of Defence Peter Hegseth. The crusading slogan Deus Volt (God wills it) was used to launch a war on the Muslim world, on the field of Clermont in the Middle Ages. The كافر/kafir tattoo in the Quran means disbeliever. In the Quran – kafir (sing)… pic.twitter.com/ahT7wo4gEL
— Tam Hussein (@tamhussein) March 27, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) denounced the tattoo, calling it a sign of anti-Muslim sentiment. CAIR’s national executive director, Nihad Awad, remarked that while Hegseth has the right to get tattoos, his role as the leader of the US military makes such symbolism concerning.
This is not Hegseth’s first controversy. A 2024 report alleged he once shouted “kill all Muslims” while intoxicated. The latest uproar comes as members of Congress call for an investigation into Hegseth’s involvement in a recent intelligence leak.
