Hegseth's new, intentionally offensive anti-Muslim tattoo

[Tanuki]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/27/pete-hegseth-tattoo-arabic-language

"The US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth has a tattoo that appears to read “infidel” or “non-believer” in Arabic, according to recently posted photos on his social media account.

In photos posted on Tuesday on X, the Fox News host turned US defense secretary had what appears to be a tattoo that says “kafir”, an Arabic term used within Islam to describe an unbeliever. Hegseth appears to have also had the tattoo in another Instagram photo posted in July 2024.

Some people on social media criticized Hegseth for getting a tattoo that could be considered offensive to Muslims, especially as the US military seeks to represent a diverse pool of faiths. It is estimated that upwards of 5,000 to 6,000 US military members practice Islam.

“This isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a clear symbol of Islamophobia from the man overseeing U.S. wars,” posted Nerdeen Kiswani, a pro-Palestinian activist in New York.

She added: “‘Kafir’ has been weaponized by far-right Islamophobes to mock and vilify Muslims. It’s not about his personal beliefs. It’s about how these beliefs translate into policy – how they shape military decisions, surveillance programs, and foreign interventions targeting Muslim countries.”

A former leader of the far-right Proud Boys, Joe Biggs, also has a similar tattoo.

“Tattooing the Arabic word kafir – which refers to someone who knowingly denies or conceals fundamental divine truths – on his body is a display of both anti-Muslim hostility and personal insecurity,” Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair), told Newsweek."...(more)

[jls4561]

1. He must be a dangerous gang member. Have Homan grab him and send him to El Salvador.

Noem can pose with him after his head is shaved and he has put in shackles.

Bet his man boobs deflate after his steroids are cut off.

[NJCher]

3. Do you think cutting off

His steroids might stop that bouncy-.bounce thing he goes through when he talks to the media?

I’ve watched this guy twice now and both times he was angry. The first time was when he was confronted right after Signal. The second time was as he was about to leave on an airplane. He was dressed casually, and had a baseball cap on.

In both situations he was extremely awkward and ill at ease. I think he is very self-conscious as he knows he doesn’t know how to do the job. He knows he is getting no respect.and is defensive.

[TommyT139]

6. Maybe it's harder to take the edge off...

...or however he rationalized his day-drinking.

[Irish_Dem]

8. He was acting so immature, like a bad 12 year old kid.

[Skittles]

2. so fucking disgusting

he behaves, well, LIKE A FUCKING GANG MEMBER

[J_William_Ryan]

4. So, Muslims voted for

Trump who in turn appoints as Sec. of Defense a hateful far-right Islamophobe who mocks and vilifies Muslims.

There’s no limit to the stupidity of Trump voters.

[tishaLA]

5. He wants this to be a controversy

So it'll distract from the WhiskeyLeaks mess. I'm sorry, but it's not accidental that we learned about this a few days after the story that's taken all the news oxygen broke.

"Make them outraged and defend one of our marginalized groups, like we do with trans athletes, and it's a sure winner for mainstream America."

Yes, the tat is repulsive and unworthy of a senior government official, but I'd prefer to continue kicking these fuckers about their gross ineptitude while they're flailing.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. Where did he find the room for it? Good Grief!

What's this obsession with placing offensive symbols on his body? That should have been a hint and disqualified him - not to mention the other charges that were overlooked.

[Tanuki]

10. He's a somatic narcissist, constantly drawing attention to his body

and physical appearance.

https://mediaproxy.snopes.com/width/1200/

[sinkingfeeling]

9. He's just gross.