In Video: Hegseth defends tattoos with alleged connection to extremist groups in confirmation hearing
Hate Symbol Allegations Fuel Debate at Defense Secretary Confirmation Hearing
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The confirmation hearing for Donald Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary, H.R. McMaster, turned into a heated debate on Tuesday, with Democratic Senators focusing on allegations of controversial aspects of his faith.
Het, a Christian, has been criticized for his tattoos, including a symbol of the Jerusalem cross, which is also associated with Christian identity and white supremacist groups. The symbol, along with another tattoo, "Deo Volo" (Latin for "God wills it"), has been used by groups tied to the Christian Nationalist and Confederate movements.
Scholar: "These symbols are an invocation of the Crusades"
Dr. Matthew Taylor, a scholar on the topic, explained that the Jerusalem cross is often used to signal far-right extremism. "I do not know of any mainstream Christian groups or leaders who have embraced that in the modern world," he said.
The controversy surrounding Het’s tattoos has led to concerns about his suitability for the position, with some questioning whether he is qualified to lead the armed forces.
Representatives of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, define Christian Identity as an ideology that asserts white people are favored by God in the Bible. It is also associated with anti-Semitic and racist beliefs.
Defense Official: "An Abundance of Caution"
The controversy surrounding Het’s tattoos led to the US military official deciding not to put him on the DC National Guard Security detail for President Biden’s 2021 inauguration out of an "abundance of caution."
Het’s Response: "Unfairly Labeled an Extremist"
Het defended his tattoos in a statement, saying he has been unfairly labeled as an extremist. He did not mention the "Deo Volo" tattoo, but did note that the Jerusalem cross was featured at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter’s last week on the front page of his program.
Experts Speak Out
Het has openly embraced his Evangelical Christian faith and has written about the Crusades, including a chapter called "Make the Crusade Great Again" in his 2020 book "American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free." His views have raised concerns about his connection to the Christian Nationalist movement, fueled by his affiliation with a church co-founded by Pastor Doug Wilson, a conservative Evangelical leader who has openly supported Christian Nationalism.
Legal and Political Implications
Experts warn that similar movements will use the second Trump Administration to exert influence over policy decisions, legislation, and culture, pushing the country towards a direction that aligns with their ideology and theology. However, Pastor Doug Wilson disagrees, stating that he does not believe that America should be a Christian Nation through military means.
Trump Transition Team Dismisses Faith as a Factor
A Trump transition team official told NBC News that while Trump respects Het’s faith, it was not a driving consideration for the job of Secretary of Defense. The official also noted that Trump has his own personal relationship with God.
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