Controversy over the qualifications of Pete Hegseth (44), a Fox News host nominated as the first Secretary of Defense in Donald Trump's second administration, is intensifying. As Hegseth's extremist ideology is being reexamined, voices both inside and outside the United States are raising doubts about whether he is a suitable figure to serve as Secretary of Defense. The scandal is spreading further with additional allegations of sexual misconduct.
According to the British Guardian on the 15th (local time), extremist researchers pointed out that Hegseth's writings and online activities show that he is someone immersed in right-wing Christian culture, political extremism, and violent ideology.
Pete Hegseth (44), nominated as the first Secretary of Defense in Donald Trump's second administration, has become embroiled in controversy as attention has been drawn to his extremist tattoos. Political scientist Monica Marks X
In his 2020 book American Crusade, Hegseth claimed, "Leftists are preparing to surround and kill American patriots from all sides in more ways than you can imagine," arguing that this is "an attack on our Founding Fathers, our flag, and capitalism." He wrote that leftists who advocate for the rights of women, sexual minorities, and racial justice are hiding everywhere, posing an existential threat to the United States, and that "America is under the disaster of the left."
He has also expressed negative views on women and sexual minorities serving in the military. In a recent podcast interview, he argued that "women should not be included in combat missions." Additionally, he mentioned plans to purge "leftist" officers within the military.
There are also criticisms that the tattoos Hegseth has on his body reflect his Christian extremist beliefs. In particular, the tattoo on his arm reading "Deus Vult" means "God's will" and was a slogan used to start the medieval Crusades. Historian Thomas Lecaque interpreted this as a call for religious violence. Furthermore, it is known that he has a "Jerusalem Cross" tattoo on his chest, and below his shoulder, tattoos of the original 13-star American flag from the founding of the United States and weapon-shaped tattoos.
According to the U.S. Associated Press, these tattoos caused problems even during his military service. Due to the extremist tendencies inferred from these tattoos, he was excluded from duties related to President Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021. The inauguration took place two weeks after the January 6 Capitol riot.
Hegseth himself revealed that he was classified as an extremist while serving in the Washington National Guard and was not deployed at Biden's inauguration because of his tattoos. He said he decided to end his military service shortly thereafter due to feelings of hatred. In his 2024 book The War on Warriors, he wrote, "Today, generals are purging patriotic soldiers from the ranks under the pretext of eradicating extremism."
It was revealed belatedly that Hegseth was investigated by the police in 2017 following a sexual assault report. According to The Washington Post (WP), Hegseth appeared as a speaker at a Republican women's group event, and five days after the event, a woman reported him. Subsequently, Hegseth reached a confidential settlement, and the police closed the case without prosecution.
Hegseth's side vehemently denies the sexual misconduct allegations. Hegseth's attorney, Tim Pallatore, stated, "The police conducted a thorough investigation at the time and concluded that the allegations were not true."
With considerable public criticism that Hegseth lacks the qualifications to lead the Department of Defense, the emergence of moral controversies is heightening concerns over Senate confirmation. The burden is increasing as sexual misconduct allegations related to the Secretary of Defense nominee arise amid the situation where Matt Gaetz, the nominee for Attorney General and a House Representative, is under suspicion of soliciting sex from a minor.
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