Soldier Reprimands Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Arlington Cemetery

An Army sentinel from the 3rd Infantry Regiment verbally reprimanded Pete Hegseth and his staff at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday. The incident occurred following a Veterans Day ceremony when Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, and senior aides Ricky Buria, Patrick Weaver, and Tami Radabaugh took photos on the steps of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The soldier intervened after a loud laugh was heard, ordering the group to maintain silence and respect.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the interaction, stating the soldier correctly and respectfully reminded the group to maintain decorum. The event took place one day after House Republicans blocked an impeachment resolution against Hegseth led by Representative Thomas Massie. That effort centered on allegations regarding the handling of the war in Iran and violations of the War Powers Agreement of 1973.

Democratic Representative Gwen Moore criticized the incident as evidence of Hegseth's contempt for military personnel and his lack of fitness for office. Hegseth previously characterized the impeachment attempt as sabotage.