Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Faces Backlash Over 'Kafir' Tattoo and Islamophobia Allegations

The tattoo, alongside previous controversial symbols, has drawn criticism from Muslim advocacy groups and reignited scrutiny of Hegseth's actions and beliefs.

Pete Hegseth's new tattoo, featuring the Arabic word 'kafir,' meaning 'infidel' or 'nonbeliever,' has been criticized as a symbol of Islamophobia by advocacy groups.
The tattoo is positioned below another tattoo reading 'Deus Vult,' a Crusader-era slogan associated with far-right ideologies, intensifying concerns about anti-Muslim sentiment.
Muslim advocacy organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, have condemned the tattoo as hostile and inappropriate for a high-ranking U.S. official.
This controversy coincides with ongoing scrutiny of Hegseth, including allegations of mishandling sensitive military information in a Signal group chat.
The Department of Defense has not yet issued an official response to the tattoo controversy or the calls for Hegseth's resignation from some lawmakers and activists.