Pete Hegseth’s DoD Nomination Sparks Controversy Over Extremism Allegations

Donald Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth, co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend and an Army National Guard veteran, to lead the Department of Defense has ignited widespread controversy. Allegations surrounding Hegseth’s tattoos and his public dismissal of extremism in the military have drawn scrutiny, raising questions about his suitability for the role.

Hegseth, a decorated veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, has two Bronze Stars. However, he has faced backlash for a tattoo bearing the phrase “Deus Vult.” While the term has religious roots tied to the medieval Crusades, it has also been appropriated by white supremacist groups. Retired Master Sgt. DeRicko Gaither flagged the tattoo in a 2021 email to leadership, citing it as a potential “Insider Threat” within the military.

A History of Extremism Controversy

Hegseth has publicly downplayed the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and criticized military efforts to address extremism in the ranks. In his book, The War on Warriors, he dismissed concerns over extremism as “manufactured” and accused military leadership of pushing “rank-and-file patriots” out of service. He described efforts to address extremism as part of a broader campaign to “peddle the lie of racism in the military.”

The controversy intensified after Hegseth claimed he was unfairly labeled an extremist and barred from serving during President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration. While Hegseth attributed the decision to a Jerusalem Cross tattoo on his chest, Gaither’s email clarified that concerns were tied to the “Deus Vult” tattoo on his bicep.

Military Extremism and Hegseth’s Stance

Research from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) found that over 480 individuals with military backgrounds were involved in extremist crimes from 2017 to 2023. Among the January 6 rioters, more than 230 were veterans or active-duty military members. START also determined that plots involving military-trained individuals were more likely to result in mass casualties.

Despite these findings, Hegseth has downplayed the significance of extremism within the military. Following the Capitol attack, he described the rioters as “patriots” and criticized the justice system’s treatment of military veterans arrested for their involvement. Notably, Hegseth defended Jacob Chansley, the “QAnon Shaman,” who pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding during the insurrection.

Support for War Criminals

Hegseth has also been a vocal advocate for military personnel accused of war crimes. In 2019, he successfully lobbied Trump to pardon two service members convicted of killing Afghan civilians and promoted the rank of Eddie Gallagher, a Navy SEAL convicted of posing with the corpse of an Islamic State captive.

Hegseth has expressed skepticism toward military rules of engagement. In a podcast interview, he recounted telling his platoon to disregard restrictions on when they could fire their weapons, stating he would “have their back” even in scenarios that might violate official directives.

Implications for Defense Leadership

If confirmed, Hegseth would lead a department that has taken significant steps to address extremism since January 6. Current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has implemented measures to identify and remove extremists from the military, initiatives Hegseth has publicly opposed. Critics warn that Hegseth’s leadership could reverse these efforts, potentially undermining progress in combating extremism within the ranks.

Supporters of Hegseth, however, view his nomination as a necessary counterbalance to what they perceive as overreach by military leadership. They argue his leadership would restore focus on traditional military values and protect service members from politicized accusations.

Conclusion

Hegseth’s nomination underscores deep divisions over how the U.S. military should address extremism, accountability, and political neutrality. As the Senate prepares to evaluate his confirmation, the debate over his past actions and public statements will shape discussions about the future direction of the Department of Defense, highlighting the stakes involved in this contentious appointment.