A United States Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery has publicly reprimanded Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and members of his entourage for allegedly failing to maintain decorum at the revered war memorial.
The incident occurred on Tuesday after a Veterans Day ceremony attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, when Hegseth and his entourage visited the tomb to pay their respects.
Television cameras captured the moment the sentinel shouted at the group as they walked away from the memorial after some members were reportedly seen laughing while posing for photographs.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier declared, prompting Hegseth and other members of the delegation to turn around.
Those in the group included Hegseth’s Chief of Staff, Ricky Buria; Deputy Chief of Staff, Patrick Weaver; Senior Adviser, Tami Radabaugh; and his wife, Jennifer Hegseth. However, it was unclear who among them was laughing.
Responding to the incident, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth and the Department of Defence had always honoured the sacrifices of American military personnel.
“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell said.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the burial site of an unidentified American soldier killed during World War I. It is one of the country’s most revered military memorials and is guarded round the clock, regardless of weather conditions.
Serving as a sentinel at the tomb is regarded as one of the highest honours in the United States military.
Hegseth’s visit followed the Veterans Day ceremony, where Trump praised him for his performance as Defence Secretary, describing his work as “fantastic”.
The incident comes a day after House Republicans blocked an attempt to impeach Hegseth over his handling of overseas military operations, including the war in Iran.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky had introduced articles of impeachment against the Pentagon chief, accusing him of conducting military operations without congressional approval.
Trump has continued to support Hegseth despite calls from some Republicans for his removal and the appointment of a new Pentagon chief before Democrats regain control of Congress in January.
The latest incident has also revived memories of a controversy involving Trump’s entourage at Arlington National Cemetery during the 2024 presidential campaign, when members of his staff reportedly clashed with a cemetery public affairs official during a wreath-laying ceremony.