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Report links Pete Hegseth to bigoted pastor and crusader imagery

politicsApr 21, 2026212,085

Two recent Substack and magazine articles link President Trump's defense nominee Pete Hegseth to pastor Doug Wilson, saying Wilson demands Christian dominion and promotes 'Deus Vult' and Jerusalem Cross crusade rhetoric. The pieces point to a large Jerusalem Cross tattoo on Hegseth's chest and an English Standard Version Bible stamped with 'Deus Vult' as concrete evidence of crusading imagery. The writers connect Wilson's rhetoric and Hegseth's symbols to advocacy for an American crusade and to criticism of Trump's Iran policy.

Key Highlights

Articles link Pete Hegseth to pastor Doug Wilson's Christian nationalist 'crusade' rhetoric.
Hegseth displays a large Jerusalem Cross tattoo across his chest.
Hegseth's English Standard Version Bible bears 'Deus Vult' and a Jerusalem Cross.
2 sources