Pete Hegseth, a veteran of the Army National Guard and a prominent Fox News host, has come under scrutiny after being identified as a potential “Insider Threat” due to a tattoo that has connections to white supremacist groups. This allegation arose from a fellow service member who was responsible for security and anti-terrorism at the time, expressing concerns that Hegseth’s tattoos could pose a risk within the military ranks.
Hegseth has consistently downplayed the involvement of military personnel in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and has been critical of efforts by the Pentagon to tackle extremism in the armed forces. He claims that his District of Columbia National Guard unit removed him from duty during President Joe Biden’s inauguration due to the tattoo, which he asserts has been misinterpreted as a symbol of extremism. This situation raises questions about allowing someone with this history to lead a major government department at a time when extremism within the military is being intensely scrutinized.
Recent investigations indicate that between 2017 and 2023, there were over 480 individuals with military backgrounds linked to ideologically motivated extremist crimes, including more than 230 individuals arrested in connection with the Capitol insurrection. While these numbers represent a small percentage of the total service members, the potential for significant repercussions is evident, especially given that many of these individuals were involved in plots that risks mass casualties, highlighting a troubling trend.
In the aftermath of the Capitol attack, Hegseth, along with many of his supporters, has downplayed both the gravity of the incident and the extent of military involvement. He painted the attackers as patriots and Americans who were awakening to the political struggles they believe are threatening the nation. Notably, of the individuals sentenced for seditious conspiracy connected to the January 6 events, nearly half had military backgrounds, with a small number still actively serving at that time.
In his recent book, “The War on Warriors,” Hegseth downplayed the presence of military personnel at the Capitol, suggesting only a few veterans were involved, sidestepping the reality of the numerous veterans arrested post-incident. He criticized the Pentagon’s actions to weed out extremism, describing it as exaggerated and accusing military leaders of failing to honor their oaths to protect the nation, indicating a narrative that the military’s focus on domestic threats compromises national security.
Hegseth’s views extend to controversial support for convicted war criminals, insisting that the military judicial system overreaches and punishes service members unjustly. He has outlined instances where he believes official engagement rules were overly restrictive and defended the actions of colleagues accused of criminal behavior during their service. This position aligns with his previous efforts that resulted in convicted service members receiving pardons from former President Trump, demonstrating his contentious standpoint on military justice.
During the time surrounding Biden’s inauguration—just weeks after the Capitol attack—Hegseth reported being labeled as an extremist due to a tattoo. Insights shared by Retired Master Sgt. DeRicko Gaither, who worked as a security officer during the inauguration preparations, indicate that concerns were raised about a specific tattoo featuring the phrase “Deus Vult,” which is linked to extremist interpretations and anti-Muslim sentiments in some circles.
Gaither’s email to his superiors expressed apprehensions regarding the implications of Hegseth’s tattoo, categorizing it as an “Insider Threat,” reflecting a proactive stance on potential dangers within the ranks following the insurrection. Amid heightened security measures, approximately 25,000 National Guard members were vetted before the inauguration, with several individuals flagged due to various concerns, though it remains unspecified whether Hegseth was among them.
While Hegseth has suggested that his removal from active duty during the inauguration could stem from his political beliefs or professional affiliations, the scrutiny surrounding his tattoos and associations poses significant questions about accountability and vigilance within military ranks regarding extremism. The future ramifications of these events will likely unfold as Hegseth’s nomination to a key leadership role at the Department of Defense progresses.
