Hegseth has pushed back against the accusations, calling objections to his tattoos — a Jerusalem Cross and the Latin phrase "Deus Vult" — manifestations of "anti-Christian bigotry." ...

On the front page of his program was the very same Jerusalem cross. It is a Christian religious symbol." Hegseth also reiterated a claim he has made previously: that his tattoos led to his removal ...

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, responded to criticism of his tattoo of the Jerusalem Cross during a confirmation hearing Tuesday at the Senate Armed Services Committee.