Subscribe to listen
- Share this article
- Copy Link
- Twitter/X
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer Hegseth look on during a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of Veterans Day with US President Donald Trump at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11 in Arlington, Virginia. Photo / Getty Images
A US military guard was seen loudly reprimanding Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his group on Veterans Day, after they laughed and chatted near a sacred tomb at Arlington National Cemetery.
Video circulated widely on US networks and social media showed Hegseth and a group reportedly including his senior advisers
gathering to take photos on Wednesday (local time) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, after a Veterans Day ceremony that featured President Donald Trump.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” a US Army sentinel yelled loudly, after laughter and chatter can be heard.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred burial ground of American soldiers who were killed during World War I, World War II and the war in Korea. It also includes an empty burial site for a Vietnam war soldier, in honour of missing soldiers who died in service to their country.
CNN identified the group taking photos on the steps near the tomb with Hegseth as his wife Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told NBC News that Hegseth and the department “have always honoured” the sacrifices of the military.
A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier issued a verbal reprimand to a group of advisers and staffers with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. As the group broke from taking photos, a loud laugh could be… pic.twitter.com/dIPp8wMGEG
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 11, 2026
“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell said.
Democrats were quick to react to the Defence Secretary’s gaffe on a sacred day for the US military.
“Pete Hegseth continues to demonstrate his utter lack of fitness for his office. One day after narrowly avoiding impeachment, he shows his contempt for our men and women in uniform by disrespecting the sanctity of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” congresswoman Gwen Moore of Wisconsin posted on X.
– AFP
- Share this article
- Copy Link
- Twitter/X
