The left is at it again, revving up the outrage machine over Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. The Associated Press, with its usual penchant for sensationalism, has claimed that Hegseth is a “white supremacist” because of a tattoo reading “Deus Vult.” For those not versed in medieval history, this Latin phrase translates to “God wills it” and has roots tracing back to the Crusades. But in today’s world, where context is tossed out the window, it seems that any connection to the past—especially one with religious significance—can be twisted into a condemnation of character.
Critics of Hegseth have seized on the tattoo like wolves at a steak dinner, citing it as a potential “insider threat.” According to an anonymous source, Hegseth’s tattoo prompted a red flag because, apparently, it has been associated with some outfits on the fringes of society. It’s almost absurd to think that one Christian phrase could bring the entire military establishment to a boiling point, but that’s the world in which conservatives now operate. The left, desperate to find nefarious connections, forgot to look in the mirror at their own biases.
Amen @JDVance. Anti-Christian bigotry in the media on full display.
They can target me — I don’t give a damn — but this type of targeting of Christians, conservatives, patriots and everyday Americans will stop on DAY ONE at DJT’s DoD. https://t.co/TCZVWsxEAS
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 15, 2024
Moreover, this whole debacle raises eyebrows, especially considering Hegseth has been an outspoken critic of extremism and has pointed fingers at the military’s reaction on January 6 when a mob stormed the Capitol. The AP seems more intent on painting Hegseth as a dangerous radical than actually addressing any real issues throughout the military. If anything, it’s clear that the only real extremism here is the one exhibited by those making assumptions and accusations without any substantial proof.
Vice President-elect JD Vance has not been shy about addressing this smear campaign, calling out the AP for what it is: a blatant act of anti-Christian bigotry. With the media being the left’s most trusted sidekick, it’s become the norm to attack people for their faith under the guise of “protecting democracy.” If the media wants to wage a war against anyone sporting a Christian tattoo, it is very clearly waging war on millions of Americans who share those values. This fits perfectly within the narrative that conservatives have been pushing for years—the idea that anything connected to patriotism or faith is fodder for the progressive machine.
Hegseth’s spirited defense against the AP’s flimsy accusations reveals the underlying issue: it’s not just about a tattoo; it’s about silencing those who refuse to bow to political correctness. He stands firm, declaring that such targeting will cease as soon as he steps into his office. For anyone paying attention, this saga is not merely about Hegseth; it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing culture war that permeates American society. Whether it be through tattoos, speech, or beliefs, the left continues to seek a way to undermine citizens who dare to uphold traditional values. Expect more of this as conservatives remain unfazed and fight back against the absurdity.