This, Tisby says, is another way the flag’s message can be co-opted by Christian nationalists. “This is why the Appeal to Heaven flag is also a symbol of White Christian nationalism ...

“The Appeal to Heaven flag is a critical, important part of American history. It’s something that I’ve always revered since I’ve been a young man.” He added: “People misuse our symbols ...

When questioned by Sen. Kevin Cramer (R., N.D.), Pete Hegseth defended his chest tattoo as a standard Christian symbol, not an extremist symbol. “I was identified as an extremist by my own unit ...