Christian Motto or Hate Symbol?

The Non-Prophets

Trump defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth was flagged as potential military 'insider threat' because of 'Deus Vult' tattoo

ABC News, By Lucien Bruggeman and Nathan Luna, on November 18, 2024

https://abcnews.go.com/US/pete-hegseth-flagged-potential-insider-threat-tattoo/story?id=115979853

The discussion opens with Cindy Plaza introducing the controversy surrounding Pete Hegseth, a nominee for Secretary of Defense under Trump’s presidency. Hegseth's military experience and history have come under scrutiny, particularly his tattoos, which are linked to white nationalist and far-right groups. His tattoos include symbols like the phrase Deus Vult (“God wills it”), a Jerusalem cross tied to the Crusades, and a Biblical reference suggesting violence. These tattoos have raised concerns about his potential as an insider threat and his suitability for such a high-ranking government position. AJ elaborates that Hegseth's tattoos were flagged after the January 6 Capitol riots when he was considered for Biden's inauguration security. His controversial ink includes multiple far-right and nationalist symbols, which collectively signal Christian nationalist ideologies. Critics argue that his body art reflects a blend of extremist political and religious views, making his nomination problematic. The panel emphasizes the significance of his role overseeing the U.S. military, given his limited National Guard experience and lack of familiarity with high-level military operations. Jonathan, a former naval officer, strongly critiques the appointment, highlighting Hegseth's lack of expertise in critical areas like military logistics, weapon acquisition, and conflict management. Jonathan stresses that senior defense roles require extensive experience, which Hegseth lacks. He warns that the appointment could compromise the apolitical traditions of the U.S. military, potentially undermining secular policies and exacerbating Christian nationalist influences within the armed forces. The panel discusses broader implications, with Cindy pointing out how Trump’s appointments across various departments seem designed to prioritize loyalty over competence. She describes this as a step toward autocracy, bypassing congressional vetting processes and consolidating power within the presidency. Cindy also warns of the global risks of combining U.S. expansionism with Christian supremacy, which could further destabilize the international landscape, particularly in the volatile Middle East. AJ concludes by noting that while Hegseth might claim his tattoos represent his faith, their historical and contemporary associations with far-right ideologies cannot be ignored. The collection of symbols, from Crusader imagery to patriotic slogans, presents a clear Christian nationalist message. The panel collectively expresses grave concerns over Hegseth’s appointment, emphasizing its potential to weaken the separation of church and state, disrupt military impartiality, and foster extremist ideologies in government.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.47.1 featuring Kelley Laughlin, AJ, Jonathan Roudabush and Cindy Plaza
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