US Military's Use of 'Crusader Cross' in Caribbean Deployment Sparks Outrage.
The US military has come under fire for using a symbol with anti-Muslim connotations to promote its deployment of troops to the Caribbean. The image, which features a masked service member wearing a helmet adorned with a Jerusalem cross, was posted on the official X social media account of US Southern Command.
Critics have condemned the use of the symbol, known as the "Crusader Cross," as a symbol of extremism and far-right ideology. While the cross is not inherently extremist, its use by the military in this context has sparked concerns that it may be used to promote a divisive narrative.
The image was originally published on an album depicting a training exercise by Marines aboard the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea, but was later removed after comments pointed out its origins. The Pentagon's press office declined to comment on the use of the symbol, referring questions to US Southern Command.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been accused of using the symbol to promote his own personal views, which include wearing a tattoo of the cross and owning an Arabic word for "infidel" on his body. Hegseth's deputy press secretary signaled his approval with emojis of a salute and the American flag in response to the X post.
The use of the image is seen as part of a broader trend of Trump administration using propaganda to promote its policies. Critics argue that this approach undermines efforts to build bridges between different communities and promotes division instead.
"This is not hyperbole," said Greg Grandin, a Yale historian. "What we're seeing right now from Donald Trump is a full-on authoritarian takeover of the US government."
The US military has come under fire for using a symbol with anti-Muslim connotations to promote its deployment of troops to the Caribbean. The image, which features a masked service member wearing a helmet adorned with a Jerusalem cross, was posted on the official X social media account of US Southern Command.
Critics have condemned the use of the symbol, known as the "Crusader Cross," as a symbol of extremism and far-right ideology. While the cross is not inherently extremist, its use by the military in this context has sparked concerns that it may be used to promote a divisive narrative.
The image was originally published on an album depicting a training exercise by Marines aboard the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea, but was later removed after comments pointed out its origins. The Pentagon's press office declined to comment on the use of the symbol, referring questions to US Southern Command.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been accused of using the symbol to promote his own personal views, which include wearing a tattoo of the cross and owning an Arabic word for "infidel" on his body. Hegseth's deputy press secretary signaled his approval with emojis of a salute and the American flag in response to the X post.
The use of the image is seen as part of a broader trend of Trump administration using propaganda to promote its policies. Critics argue that this approach undermines efforts to build bridges between different communities and promotes division instead.
"This is not hyperbole," said Greg Grandin, a Yale historian. "What we're seeing right now from Donald Trump is a full-on authoritarian takeover of the US government."
this is soooo messed up 
, like who thought it was a good idea to use that symbol in the first place? 
it's got super negative vibes and I can see why ppl are hella upset 
especially with Hegseth being all connected to it, he should've known better 
, this is what we need more of: division and hate 
. The Pentagon's response just made it worse 
can't they see that's gonna be seen as dismissive or whatever 
if this is some kinda authoritarian takeover 
. I just hope ppl keep speaking out and not letting the haters get away with it 
so like the us military uses this symbol called the crusader cross in their deployment to the caribbean and ppl are FREAKING OUT 
! like, it's got nothin to do with christianity or anything but ppl are sayin its got anti muslim connotations lol and dont even get me started on defense sec petershegths 
It's like, basic human decency, you know? 
.
i mean i get that politicians might want to stir up support but come on... don't you guys have better ways to do it? 
and honestly, this whole thing just feels like more of trump's brand of toxic politics 
is just a weird way to show support when you're literally using something that could be hurtful to millions of people... i'm not saying they meant any harm or anything but come on, common sense, ppl! 
!!! the us military shouldve known bettr than to use that symbol in the first place 
& yeah, this kinda thing does sound like something trump would do 
but i dont even wanna think about it. can we pls jus focus on world peace n stuff instead of all dis hate & division 