US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ignited fresh controversy after unveiling a new “kafir” tattoo on his forearm, which many critics are calling Islamophobic.
Hegseth shared images on his X account during a visit to the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1) at a joint base in Pearl Harbor. Among the photos, one prominently displayed a tattoo reading “كافر” (kafir), the Arabic word for “infidel” or “disbeliever.”
This tattoo has quickly drawn criticism, with many accusing Hegseth of promoting Islamophobic sentiments, especially in light of his leadership in overseeing US military operations. Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani expressed concerns, saying, “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 US wars.”
Kiswani continued, arguing that the word “kafir” has been weaponized by far-right groups to target and vilify Muslims, warning that this reflects not only personal beliefs but also how such beliefs can influence policy decisions, military actions, and foreign interventions, particularly in Muslim-majority countries.
Investigator and writer Tam Hussain also weighed in, stating that the tattoo is “not a good look” for Hegseth, especially as the term “kafir” in the Quran refers to someone who rejects God. Hussain suggested that the tattoo would be seen as a declaration of hostility towards the Muslim community, further exacerbated by ongoing US military actions in Muslim countries, such as the bombing of a hospital in Yemen.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned Hegseth’s tattoo, labeling it “a sign of both anti-Muslim hostility and personal insecurity.” CAIR criticized the Defense Secretary for his decision to permanently ink himself with a symbol of opposition to Islam, especially considering his role in leading the US Army, where thousands of American Muslims serve.
CAIR added, “It appears Islam lives so rent-free in Pete Hegseth’s head that he feels the need to stamp himself with tattoos declaring his opposition to Islam alongside a tattoo declaring his affinity for the failed Crusaders.” The organization further emphasized that while Hegseth is entitled to his personal choices, he should be mindful of the impact his public image has on the many Muslim soldiers in the military.
This isn’t the first time Hegseth has sparked controversy, particularly among Muslim communities. In a 2024 New Yorker report, one incident was highlighted in which employees from the Concerned Veterans for America claimed Hegseth shouted “Kill all Muslims” while intoxicated at a bar in Ohio back in 2015.
Additionally, Hegseth’s previous tattoos, such as the “Deus Vult” (Latin for “God wills it”) slogan and the “Jerusalem Cross,” have raised further eyebrows due to their associations with Crusader-era conflicts and far-right groups advocating for Western civilization.
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