Hegseth Humiliated as Pentagon Backs Guard Who Shushed Him

Detailed summary

The Pentagon has said it is standing by the Army sentinel who made the call, writing in a statement that the “soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain…

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been rebuked by his own department for being disrespectful at one of the most solemn places in the U.S.

During a Veterans Day visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Hegseth, 46, and his crew were taking photos and laughing at Arlington National Cemetery before the Army sentinel guarding the tomb called them out.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the military personnel yelled at Hegseth and his posse.

Hegseth, along with his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, and several other senior advisers, including his Chief of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver, and Deputy Assistant Tami Radabaugh, were then seen walking away quickly after the reminder.

The Pentagon has said it is standing by the Army sentinel who made the call, writing in a statement that the “soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum” while asserting that Hegseth has “always honored—and will always honor—the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.”

The tomb is the final resting place of an unidentified U.S. soldier from WWI and serves as a memorial for all other unidentified soldiers. Members of Company E of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, monitor it around the clock with one soldier on duty at all times.

During the Veterans Day ceremony, President Donald Trump lavished praise on Hegseth, fresh off surviving an impeachment vote in the House.

“He’s done a fantastic job,” Trump said. “He loves you, and he protects you—he’s all about you.”

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie had brought articles of impeachment against Hegseth, accusing him of committing high crimes and misdemeanors as it related to the Trump administration’s war with Iran and strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, among other things.

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