President-Elect Donald Trump is creating change with unusual nominations for his upcoming administration, and media figures like CBS’ Norah O’Donnell are using “unnamed sources” to spread harmful rumors about Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice for Secretary of Defense. These rumors aim to derail Hegseth’s nomination because he threatens the established military and political order. Among the accusations is an unjust connection of Hegseth’s Christian tattoos to white supremacist groups.
Hegseth explains in his bestselling book, The War on Warriors, that controversy arose when he was a member of the National Guard during the 2021 Biden inauguration. He was pulled from his duties, which he suspected had political motives. Later, he learned that this decision was due to two soldiers flagging him for a tattoo of a Jerusalem Cross, perceiving it as a sign of white nationalism.
The Jerusalem Cross symbolizes Christ's sacrifice and the mission to spread Christianity. Hegseth emphasizes that it is a religious symbol and not linked to white supremacy, despite some individuals misusing similar symbols in today’s context. His other tattoo, “Deus Vult,” has also stirred controversy. This phrase, meaning "God wills it," is tied to the historical Crusades, and although some fringe groups have used it, Hegseth believes he should not have to remove his tattoos because of these associations.
The issue extends to military protocol, as one of the soldiers who reported Hegseth claimed that his tattoos violated Army regulations against extremist symbols. However, many consider this accusation unfounded. Critics argue that the definition of “extremism” has shifted under the current military leadership, with Christianity now viewed as extremist.
Historical accuracy regarding the Crusades is also questioned, as progressives often portray them negatively, claiming they were aggressive campaigns against innocent Muslims. In fact, the Crusades were a response to centuries of Islamic expansion and violence. Although atrocities occurred on all sides historically, values have changed regarding who holds a moral high ground.
The claims against Hegseth and misrepresentation of the Crusades demonstrate a broader cultural narrative that seeks to undermine Christianity and the historical significance of such symbols. As some attempt to co-opt symbols for ideological reasons, Hegseth and his supporters call for reclaiming these symbols rather than conceding them to extremist groups.
Lastly, voices from different backgrounds, including African American military veterans, defend Hegseth against these claims. They argue that such accusations are absurd and do not reflect his service or character, calling attention to the unfair treatment he receives from media outlets against a backdrop of bias.
Mark Tapson, a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center, focuses on cultural issues through this narrative, highlighting the conflict between historical truth and present-day political agendas.
https://www.frontpagemag.com/the-lefts-crusade-against-crusaders/
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