War Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under heavy fire after he and members of his entourage visited the Arlington National Cemetery during a solemn Veterans Day ceremony. However, a soldier screamed at them to quiet down, and social media has since erupted as the video spreads.
The incident took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where visitors had gathered to pay tribute to the American service members who lost their lives in military conflicts.
As they observed the traditional silence at the memorial, Hegseth and members of his group were reportedly heard talking loudly, laughing, and taking photographs on the steps.
However, their behavior was not acceptable. It prompted a soldier on duty to intervene. Footage on social media shows a uniformed soldier issuing a firm reminder to those present
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” the soldier shouted.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most solemn memorials in the United States and is subject to strict rules of conduct.
The site is guarded around the clock by members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard. Their responsibility includes honoring unidentified American service members who died while serving their country.
Soldier screams at Pete Hegseth’s entourage to be quiet during Arlington ceremony
Silence and respectful behavior are expected from everyone visiting the memorial, regardless of their position or status. The incident quickly attracted criticism from veterans’ advocates and political observers, who questioned the behavior in a place dedicated to remembering fallen service members.
Some also pointed to Hegseth’s own military background. The defense secretary previously served in the Army National Guard before becoming a television personality and later taking on the country’s top civilian defense role.
“That place has one rule. He enforced it,” one person wrote on X.
“The entire Trump administration treats our military like sh!t,” a second claimed, while a third stated, “A total lack of professionalism and respect from this group.”
“I hope that Hegseth does not take out retribution against this guard!” a fourth wrote and a fifth added, “It wouldn’t surprise me if Hegseth fired the guard. He’s such a horrible person.”
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“This young soldier has more courage and dignity than many US lawmakers, law firms, tech bros, and many others who looked the other way when Trump or his people broke the law or behaved inappropriately,” another person said.
One user wrote, “Absolutely disgraceful for a Defense Secretary. Nothing is solemn; nothing garners respect from these people.”
However, it didn’t take long before the Pentagon decided to break its silence. They decided to defend Pete Hegseth, the incident, and the Secretary of War’s conduct.
“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,” a spokesperson confirmed in a statement, the BBC reported.
“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” the spokesman continued.
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