Additional Coverage:
Guard Member Flags Hegseth’s Tattoo as Potential Threat
A National Guard member who served with Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s defense secretary pick, has confirmed sending a warning letter to superiors about a tattoo Hegseth has. The tattoo, “Deux Vult,” is linked to extremist groups, according to the whistleblower.
Hegseth Removed from Inauguration Security
Hegseth was one of 12 Guard members removed from securing President Biden’s inauguration in 2021 after vetting by the military and FBI. Hegseth claims he was removed due to his Jerusalem cross tattoo, which he says is a Christian symbol.
Tattoo Linked to Far-Right Extremism
However, the whistleblower points to Hegseth’s “Deux Vult” tattoo as the reason for his removal. The phrase has been co-opted by some far-right groups in recent years and has been used as an anti-Muslim symbol.
Trump Transition Team Defends Hegseth
The Trump transition team has defended Hegseth, calling the allegations “anti-Christian bigotry.” Vice President-elect JD Vance accused critics of targeting “Christians, conservatives, and everyday Americans.”
National Guard Declines Comment
The National Guard has declined to confirm or deny Hegseth’s removal from the inauguration detail, but has stated that he was a member of the Guard from 2019 to 2021.