Pete Hegseth, along with his wife and senior aides, was told to maintain silence by an active tomb guard after the group was observed talking and laughing following a Veterans Day photo opportunity. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell supported the sentinel's intervention, confirming the soldier appropriately instructed the visiting delegation to preserve the required atmosphere of respect. The encounter coincided with broader cemetery ceremonies attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Meanwhile, the administration is navigating intense congressional pushback over separate unauthorized foreign military actions.
Key points
Democratic lawmakers, including Wisconsin Representative Gwen Moore, sharply criticized H…: Democratic lawmakers, including Wisconsin Representative Gwen Moore, sharply criticized Hegseth for demonstrating disrespect at the historic military memorial.
The 3rd Infantry Regiment has continuously guarded the tomb since 1948, strictly enforcin…: The 3rd Infantry Regiment has continuously guarded the tomb since 1948, strictly enforcing an atmosphere of absolute silence for all visitors.
Hegseth faces looming oversight over alleged War Powers Act violations that may resurface…: Hegseth faces looming oversight over alleged War Powers Act violations that may resurface when Democrats take control of the House.
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US secretary of war
Pete Hegseth was publicly reprimanded by a US Army soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery after members of his entourage were seen laughing and talking near the memorial following a Veterans Day ceremony.
A video of the incident shows Hegseth posing for photographs with his wife, Jennifer, and senior members of his team on the steps in front of the tomb. As the group finished taking pictures, some members appeared to be laughing and chatting, prompting the soldier on duty to interrupt them and issue a reminder about the memorial's rules.
"All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times," the sentinel shouted, stopping his patrol and turning towards the group. The incident took place on Wednesday, a day after Hegseth narrowly survived an impeachment effort in the US House of Representatives.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the soldier's intervention, saying he had acted appropriately. "While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum," Parnell said in a statement.
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