Surprisingly, even without his well-publicized tattoos, Hegseth retains his quintessential MAGA persona. His t-shirt still broadcasts his political stance, and despite the absence of a gun-themed Stars and Stripes tattoo, his attire—complete with a patriotic shirt and hat—leaves no doubt about his American pride. One might imagine Trump’s voice echoing through time, advising his son against tattoos with a stern, “I never want to see tattoos on you” (via X). For added effect, picture it in slow motion.

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However, the absence of tattoos might detract from Hegseth’s controversial reputation. Back in 2021, his “Deus Vult” tattoo—Latin for “God wills it”—raised eyebrows when he was barred from joining the District of Columbia National Guard Unit during Joe Biden’s inauguration. This decision followed concerns expressed by security manager Master Sgt. DeRicko Gaither, who noted in an email, later shared with the AP, that the phrase is linked to supremacist groups and the alt-right, symbolizing a perceived cultural clash. Gaither concluded the email by stating, “This falls along the line of Insider Threat,” leading to Hegseth’s exclusion from the event.

While Static Media’s photo editor digitally removed the tattoos from Hegseth’s arm, his “A Pledge a Day Keeps the Commies Away” shirt conveniently obscured the Jerusalem Cross ink on his chest—something the Secretary of War might secretly appreciate.

Ultimately, it seems unlikely that Hegseth will consider removing any of his tattoos, regardless of their controversial nature. However, for those who might wish otherwise, this transformation offers a glimpse of what might be.

Like the “Deus Vult” tat, Hegseth’s chest marking also rocked his reputation, with many pointing out its links to the Crusades and thus religious violence. Granted, the secretary and others have pointed out that it is also used as a Christian religious symbol … but it being tattooed on the same person who also had “Deus Vult” on him (the very saying the crusaders used to substantiate their violence) didn’t exactly hinder the accusations that Hegseth was wearing his shady side on his sleeve (and chest). That, and the fact that he authored a book called “American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free,” in which he writes that the West owed the crusaders their thanks. Nevertheless, he didn’t miss the opportunity to accuse his superiors of treating him unfairly when the issue was brought up in his 2025 confirmation hearing. “I was part of the mobilization to defend that inauguration as someone who’d been a proud supporter of Donald Trump but also a member of the military who had orders to come to Washington, D.C., to guard that inauguration, and at the last minute those orders were revoked,” he lamented (via PBS NewsHour). TBH, we’re kind of surprised he wanted to go. 

At the end of the day, something tells us Hegseth has zero plans to get any of his tattoos removed, controversial or not. However, for those who wish he’d reconsider, feel free to return for a glimpse at what could be.