US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sparked controversy after images revealed he has a tattoo of the Arabic word 'kafir' (meaning 'infidel' or 'non-believer'). The term is used in Islam to describe non-believers and has been appropriated by far-right groups. The tattoo has raised concerns about insensitivity towards Muslims, particularly at a sensitive time for the American military. Critics argue that the tattoo represents Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hostility, and question how these beliefs may shape military decisions and policies targeting Muslim countries. This controversy adds to previous concerns over Hegseth's other religious tattoos, including a Latin phrase associated with the Crusaders and a Jerusalem Cross.