The Department of Holy War
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has a documented fascination with the Crusades, which he views as a defensive Christian struggle against Islam. His interpretation of the Crusades as a just and necessary war contrasts with mainstream historical scholarship. This perspective, rooted in a contested reading of medieval history, raises concerns about its influence on current U.S. military actions, including the war in Iran.
- ▪Pete Hegseth has tattoos referencing the Crusades and authored a book titled American Crusade with a chapter called 'Make the Crusade Great Again.'
- ▪During his 2025 confirmation hearing, Hegseth's views on the Crusades were publicly discussed.
- ▪Historian Matthew Gabriele criticizes Hegseth's portrayal of the Crusades as a defensive war, calling it an oversimplification.
- ▪Hegseth's interpretation of medieval history may influence U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding the war in Iran.
- ▪The Anti-Defamation League lists several Crusade-related symbols as designated hate symbols.
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Video VideoThe Department of Holy WarWhat Pete Hegseth’s fascination with the Crusades can tell us about the war in Iran.by Nate KriegerMay 1, 2026, 8:00 PM UTCShareGiftNate Krieger is a video producer at Vox.Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has a longstanding fascination with the Crusades. That’s right, the Crusades: the series of late 11th to 13th century medieval wars in which Europeans fought to control the Holy Land. He has tattoos that reference the Crusades, which actually came up during his confirmation hearing in 2025. And his 2020 book is titled American Crusade. The final chapter is titled “Make the Crusade Great Again.”Hegseth paints the Crusades as a “defensive war” in which Christianity had to react or face being overrun by Islam.
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