Special Poll
Here are the key points about Pete Hegseth, the Army National Guard veteran and Fox News host nominated by Donald Trump to lead the Department of Defense:
- Tattoo Sparks “Insider Threat” Concerns: A fellow National Guard member flagged Hegseth as a potential “Insider Threat” due to a tattoo on his bicep reading “Deus Vult,” a phrase linked to extremist groups. The concern was raised in an email to leadership before President Biden’s 2021 inauguration.
- Defender of Extremism Allegations: Hegseth has publicly downplayed the role of military members in the January 6 Capitol attack and criticized the Pentagon’s efforts to address extremism within its ranks, calling the issue “manufactured” and harmful to morale.
- Alignment with Trump’s Policies: If confirmed, Hegseth would lead the Pentagon under a hardline approach similar to Trump’s views, which have faced criticism for promoting divisive narratives and favoring controversial figures.
- Support for Convicted War Criminals: Hegseth has advocated for service members accused of war crimes, including securing presidential pardons and promotions for those convicted or accused of misconduct during combat operations.
- January 6 and Its Aftermath: Hegseth has minimized the seriousness of the Capitol riot, portraying the participants as patriots. He has also suggested that his political views and role as a journalist covering the event led to his removal from inauguration duties in 2021.
- Religious Symbolism and Controversy: While some of Hegseth’s tattoos are expressions of religious faith, their adoption by far-right extremists has raised questions about their symbolism and context.
- Broader Extremism Concerns: Data from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) shows a disproportionate involvement of individuals with military backgrounds in extremist activities, though such cases remain a small fraction of the military population.
- Hegseth’s Criticism of Military Leadership: He has accused military leaders of being more focused on “manufactured” problems like extremism than on national security, stating that their actions have pushed “rank-and-file patriots” out of the armed forces.
- Inauguration Security Measures: Hegseth’s removal from duties at Biden’s inauguration was part of broader vetting processes following the January 6 insurrection. At least 12 National Guard members were told to stand down due to extremism or other concerns.
The nomination of Hegseth has drawn both support and criticism, reflecting broader debates about the military’s role in addressing extremism and maintaining professionalism in the face of political polarization.