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.”

Here are some things to know about the ancient Christian symbol, Hegseth’s tattoos, and why medieval history is playing such a large role in 21st-century politics.

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The Jerusalem Cross

The Jerusalem Cross consists of a Greek cross with four smaller crosses nested within it. It’s a common religious emblem dating back to the crusades, embraced by the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations as a historic symbol of religious faith and service.

The Jerusalem Cross originated as the symbol of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and was established in 1099 by King Godfrey of Bouillon, who carried it as his personal coat of arms. Since then, it has become a widely celebrated symbol of Catholics’ presence in the Holy Land and is depicted on altars, vestments, church edifices, and more.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the highest Catholic authority in the Holy Land, uses the Jerusalem cross prominently as an emblem of his office.

It can be found at Christian holy sites in modern-day Israel and Gaza and is worn on necklaces by residents and pilgrims. Rosaries, Bibles, clothing, and other objects bearing the mark can be purchased from local merchants across the country.

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And Hegseth’s tattoo is not unique — the Jerusalem cross is a common motif for Christians seeking religiously significant ink.

Many Christians who visit Jerusalem get the cross tattooed on their bodies during their pilgrimage, including world leaders. Multiple male members of the British royal family have received Jerusalem cross tattoos while visiting the Holy Land, beginning with the future King Edward VII in 1862.

“Deus Vult”

Hegseth’s other tattoo that has sparked accusations of white supremacist associations is the Latin phrase “Deus Vult,” meaning “God wills it.” This phrase shares similar origins with the Jerusalem Cross, serving as the motto for the crusading Catholic knights fighting to reclaim the Holy Land in the 11th century.

Hegseth’s tattoo of the phrase was deemed so controversial by the Department of Defense in 2021 that Hegseth was pulled from National Guard duty ahead of President Joe Biden’s inauguration, according to emails leaked to the Associated Press.

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The Jerusalem Cross and “Deus Vult” motto are frequently used together by religious organizations descended from the crusader orders of knighthood or people seeking to ape the crusaders’ aesthetic.

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, the centuries-old papal order of knighthood that traces its roots back to the Kingdom of Jerusalem, uses the Jerusalem cross as its crest and “Deus Vult” as its official motto. Modern Catholics knighted into the Order of the Holy Sepulchre include members of the clergy, high-profile laity, and even European monarchs.

In the modern day, the Jerusalem Cross and “Deus Vult” motto have transcended the Catholic Church in the Middle East and become global signifiers of Christian evangelization, identity, and history.

It has even been used as a secular civic symbol — such as the national flag of Georgia, which consists entirely of a red Jerusalem cross on a white background.

The accusations of Hegseth harboring hateful views were sharpened on Friday when the Associated Press published an article outlining previous complaints about his religious tattoos and accusing the defense secretary nominee of failing to take extremism in the military seriously.

“They’re attacking Pete Hegseth for having a Christian motto tattooed on his arm,” Vice President-elect J.D. Vance wrote on social media following the article’s publication. “This is disgusting anti-Christian bigotry from the AP, and the entire organization should be ashamed of itself.”

“Anti-Christian bigotry in the media on full display,” Hegseth responded to Vance. “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 [Donald Trump’s] DoD.”