Islamabad, Mar 28, 2025: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has sparked controversy after unveiling a new tattoo on his arm that spells ‘kafir’ (infidel), a term that critics argue has been weaponized by Islamophobes.
Hegseth shared images on his X account while visiting the US Navy’s SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One at a base in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, on Wednesday. One of the photos clearly displayed the Arabic word ‘kafir’ inked on his arm.
Outrage and Accusations of Islamophobia
The tattoo has ignited criticism from activists, scholars, and Muslim organizations, who argue that the word has been used by far-right extremists to demean Muslims.
Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani condemned Hegseth’s decision, pointing out that his ‘kafir’ tattoo sits underneath his ‘Deus Vult’ tattoo a phrase historically linked to the Crusades.
“This isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a clear symbol of Islamophobia from the man overseeing US wars,” Kiswani posted on X.
Writer Tam Hussain echoed the concerns, stating that the tattoo would be seen by the Muslim world as an “open declaration of Hegseth’s enmity towards them.”
He referenced US military actions in Yemen, particularly the controversial bombing of a hospital, as an example of his policies reflecting such hostility.
CAIR Condemns the Tattoo as ‘Anti-Muslim Hostility’
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a strongly worded statement, denouncing Hegseth’s tattoo as a sign of anti-Muslim hostility and personal insecurity.
“Tattooing the Arabic word ‘kafir’ which essentially refers to a person who knowingly conceals or denies fundamental, divine truths on his body is a sign of both anti-Muslim hostility and personal insecurity,” CAIR’s Nihad Awad stated, according to USA Today.
CAIR also pointed out that while Hegseth is free to tattoo whatever he likes, he oversees the US military, which includes thousands of American Muslims sworn to defend the country.
“You don’t see American Muslims running around with tattoos declaring their opposition to Christianity,” the statement added.
Hegseth’s Prior Controversies
This is not the first time Hegseth has been accused of Islamophobia.
- A 2015 complaint from Concerned Veterans for America alleged that Hegseth shouted ‘Kill all Muslims’ while drunk at a bar in Ohio.
- His ‘Deus Vult’ tattoo has also drawn criticism, as it was a battle cry of the Crusaders—who carried out massacres against Muslims and Jews.
- He has a Jerusalem Cross tattoo, which, while historically Christian, has recently been co-opted by far-right groups.
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Political Pressure and Calls for Resignation
The controversy comes as Hegseth faces scrutiny over a leaked Signal chat, which exposed US military plans to bomb Yemen.
According to The Guardian, multiple members of Congress are now calling for an investigation into Hegseth’s role in the leak, with some even demanding his resignation.
What’s Next?
- Will Hegseth respond to the backlash, or will the Biden administration address concerns over his leadership?
- Could this controversy spark further political fallout, especially given tensions over US Middle East policies?
For now, the controversy surrounding his ‘kafir’ tattoo continues to escalate, drawing international attention to Islamophobia within the US military.
