WATCH: Sen. Cramer asks Hegseth about Jerusalem cross tattoo

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., questioned defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth about comments he has made regarding his tattoo in a confirmation hearing Tuesday held by the Senate Committee on Armed Services.

"It's called the Jerusalem cross. It's a historic Christian symbol. In fact, interestingly recently I attended briefly the memorial ceremony of former President Jimmy Carter, on the floor of our national cathedral, on the front page of his program was the very same Jerusalem Cross. It is a Christian religious symbol," Hegseth said.

Hegseth has said this tattoo prevented from serving as a member of the National Guard at President Joe Biden's inauguration. This type of tattoo has been associated with extremist groups.

Hegseth is a military veteran and conservative media personality. President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary has faced allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, and been criticized as a nominee for his controversial views on diversity and religion in the military.

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