Pentagon Chief and Staff Face Rebuke Over Disruptive Conduct at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day

Pete Hegseth, celebrating his survival of an impeachment vote in the House of Representatives, was seen gloating with former President Donald Trump on Tuesday night. The following day, Hegseth attended a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, where a more solemn tone was expected.

Instead, CNN released footage showing a Tomb sentinel confronting Hegseth and his senior staff after they laughed and posed for photographs at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, one of the nation’s most revered war memorials.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” the sentinel shouted as the laughter continued. The group then proceeded up the steps before the memorial.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors an unidentified soldier who died in World War I. An Army sentinel from the Third Infantry Regiment has guarded the tomb continuously since 1948, with a guard‑changing ceremony every thirty minutes.

Hegseth was photographed at the tomb alongside his wife, Jennifer, Chief of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh during the Veterans Day observance.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued a statement saying, “The Secretary and the entire Department have always honored — and will always honor — the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe. While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”

Hegseth survived an impeachment effort after Representative Thomas Massie (R‑Ky.) filed articles of impeachment accusing him of violations including breaches of the 1973 War Powers Agreement, failure to minimize civilian casualties, and alleged extrajudicial killings. Republicans moved the resolution to committee, effectively ending the proceedings.

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