National Guard Member Raises Concerns Over Pete Hegseth's 'Deus Vult' Tattoo Ahead of Inauguration

In a recent revelation, a man who served alongside Pete Hegseth, the President-elect's choice for the defense secretary position, has come forward to confirm that he sent a letter to his superiors expressing concerns about a tattoo Hegseth has. The tattoo, he claimed, was indicative of a potential "insider threat" and was brought to light ahead of President Biden's inauguration.

Concerns Raised Before Inauguration

This matter has drawn attention amidst reports that 12 members of the U.S. National Guard were removed from their posts related to securing President Biden's inauguration. The removal, as reported by the Associated Press, came after thorough vetting conducted by the U.S. military and the FBI. The decision was based on found evidence of extremist statements made in posts or text messages and possible connections to right-wing militia groups.

Hegseth's Interview and Defiance

In an interview with podcaster Shawn Ryan, Hegseth claimed that he was among the National Guard members removed from the inauguration security duty. He mentioned that he was labeled as an extremist due to a tattoo he bore, which he described as "just a Christian symbol" resembling a Jerusalem cross. However, this was not the tattoo that caught the attention of his fellow guardsman, DeRicko Gaither.

DeRicko Gaither's Concerns

DeRicko Gaither, another member of h the National Guard unit, elaborated on the concerns he raised with his superiors. He pointed out a different tattoo that Hegseth had, which bore the words "Deux Vult." Gaither, after researching the tattoo, discovered its possible associations with extremist groups, prompting him to forward his findings to his leadership. In his letter, which was revealed by CBS News, Gaither expressed his apprehensions about the "Deus Vult" tattoo, referencing its use by white supremacist groups and its representation of a clash between the Christian west and the Islamic world.

The Implications of "Deus Vult"

The term "Deus Vult," translating to "God wills it," has its roots in the Crusades as a rallying cry for a profound Christian conquest. However, in recent years, it has been co-opted by certain far-right factions, raising concerns among experts in domestic violent extremism. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has linked the phrase to individuals associated with hate crimes, including mass shootings, as well as its usage as an anti-Muslim symbol. Notably, the individual responsible for the 2023 mass shooting in Allen, Texas, was found to have a "Deus Vult" tattoo.

Political and Public Responses

In the wake of the revelations, Vice President-elect JD Vance defended Hegseth, interpreting the criticisms of the tattoo as an attack on a Christian symbol. Vance's statement, viewed by some as anti-Christian bigotry, was echoed by Hegseth himself, who expressed his resilience toward such targeting. The National Guard has refrained from commenting on the specifics of Hegseth's removal, and their official statement merely outlined his membership status and availability during the 2021 presidential inauguration.