**Trump's Defense Nominee Flagged Over Extremist Tattoo**

WASHINGTON – Pete Hegseth, a nominee by former President Donald Trump to head the Department of Defense, has come under scrutiny following allegations about a controversial tattoo linked with white supremacist groups. Serving as an Army National Guard veteran and Fox News host, Hegseth’s nomination has faced intense criticism from both fellow service members and defense officials.

In January 2021, Hegseth claims he was pulled from his duty during Joe Biden's inauguration by his District of Columbia National Guard unit, asserting that he was unfairly labeled as an extremist. At the center of the controversy is a tattoo on his chest. Recently, a fellow Guard member disclosed to The Associated Press that he had flagged a different tattoo on Hegseth's bicep reading "Deus Vult," a Latin phrase adopted by some white supremacist factions, suggesting it could indicate an "Insider Threat."

Hegseth's nomination is controversial due to his public stance minimizing the problem of extremism in the military—a contrast to current defense officials' alarm over military involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. He has also supported military personnel accused of war crimes and criticized the military justice system.

According to a report by AP, from 2017 to 2023, more than 480 individuals with a military background were accused of extremist crimes, over 230 of them in connection with the January 6 insurrection. This data, gathered by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland, underscores the pressing concerns about extremism within military ranks.

Hegseth has repeatedly dismissed efforts to tackle extremism within the military as exaggerated, penning a book titled "The War on Warriors" where he criticized Pentagon policies for pushing out "patriots" and labeled the extremism problem as a "manufactured" narrative.

Moreover, Hegseth has publicly expressed sympathy for individuals like Jacob Chansley, the "QAnon Shaman," portraying him as a passive observer despite his role in the Capitol attack. This perspective aligns with Hegseth’s broader critique against the justice system's treatment of January 6 participants and convicted war criminals.

Retired Master Sgt. DeRicko Gaither, who served in the D.C. Army National Guard's security management, provided insights into the vetting process. He revealed raising concerns over Hegseth's tattoos, which although reflective of religious faith, have been appropriated by extremist groups. An email sent by Gaither in January 2021 flagged the "Deus Vult" tattoo as particularly troubling, emphasizing its associations with white supremacist entities.

Despite these concerns, Pete Hegseth contends he was targeted for his political views and affiliations. His nomination highlights the ongoing debate over extremism within the military and the broader implications for national security.