Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reprimanded by guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his entourage were formally reprimanded by a military guard while visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday. The incident occurred following a wreath-laying ceremony held to mark Veterans Day.

During the visit, Hegseth posed for a group photograph with his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, his chief of staff, Ricky Buria, and advisers Patrick Weaver and Tami Radabaugh. When laughter broke out among the group, an Army sentinel from the 3rd Infantry Regiment—also known as the “Old Guard”—intervened. The guard shouted, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” to the group.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a memorial for unidentified service members who died in conflicts ranging from World War I to the present. The site is monitored by sentinels 24 hours a day to preserve a solemn environment.

The event takes place as Pete Hegseth faces political pressure regarding his position within the administration of US President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, the US House of Representatives narrowly blocked a vote on articles of impeachment against him, supported by Republican lawmakers.

Critics have raised concerns over Hegseth’s tenure, including claims regarding the US-Israel war on Iran and a campaign of strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Additional criticism has focused on his policies regarding transgender service members, testosterone testing for male soldiers, and the relaxation of rules designed to limit civilian casualties.

In a statement regarding the Wednesday interaction, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell noted that the sentinel acted “correctly” in reminding the group to maintain decorum. Parnell added, “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.”