Pete Hegseth’s ‘Infidel’ Tattoo Sparks Outrage: “A Clear Symbol Of Islamophobia,” Critics Say

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under fire after recent social media posts unveiled a tattoo on his arm that reads “kafir,” an Arabic word for “infidel” or “non-believer.” The tattoo has come under fire from advocacy groups and social media posters, with some charging Hegseth with promoting Islamophobia.

The images, shared on X on Tuesday, reveal the tattoo prominently on Hegseth’s forearm. Another similar tattoo was seen in another Instagram post in July 2024. The term “kafir” has been used by far-right factions to taunt Muslims, according to critics, and so is particularly charged for a senior US defense official in charge of military operations.

“It is not an individual decision, it’s a representation of Islamophobia from the man who is the author of US wars,” stated Nerdeen Kiswani, a Palestinian activist. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also denounced the tattoo, and its national executive director, Nihad Awad, said it is “a show of anti-Muslim hostility and personal insecurity.”

Hegseth’s tattoos have had controversy in the past. He has been spotted with a “Deus Vult” tattoo Latin for “God Wills It” a slogan with Christian Crusade connotations. He also has a Jerusalem cross, another icon with medieval religious war connotations.

The scandal comes at a time when there is increasing pressure on Hegseth following his involvement in the recent Signal chat leak, which inadvertently revealed US military strategies. Members of parliament are demanding an investigation, with some calling for his resignation.

Although Hegseth has so far not answered the outrage, the scandal regarding his tattoo provides a second reason for questioning his leadership at the Pentagon.