Trump's defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth flagged as potential insider threat over extremist tattoo
scmp.com —
Pete Hegseth, nominated by Donald Trump for defense secretary, was flagged as a potential "insider threat" due to a tattoo reading "Deus Vult." This phrase is linked to right-wing extremism and has historical ties to Christian crusaders. The warning came from National Guard Master Sergeant DeRicko Gaither on January 14, 2021, as security was heightened for Joe Biden's inauguration. Gaither expressed concern over Hegseth's tattoos, which included the Jerusalem Cross, associated with some far-right groups. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, later wrote that he was labeled an extremist and removed from Guard duty in Washington. The email warning has now been revealed by Reuters.