Trump's Pentagon nominee flagged as potential insider threat over tattoo linked to white supremacists

Pete Hegseth, nominated by Donald Trump to lead the Department of Defense, was flagged as a potential "Insider Threat" due to a tattoo associated with white supremacist groups. This concern was raised by a fellow service member in January 2021. Hegseth has previously downplayed the role of military members in the January 6 Capitol attack and criticized efforts to address extremism in the military. He claims he was unfairly labeled an extremist due to a different tattoo. The Army had heightened security measures during Biden's inauguration, with over 25,000 National Guard members deployed. Hegseth's concerns about being sidelined were linked to his tattoos and political views, though it remains unclear if he was among those flagged for extremism.