Guard reprimands Hegseth and staff at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier verbally reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his staff for breaking silence and decorum during a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Video shows Hegseth and aides taking photos on the tomb's steps before a laugh prompted the guard to shout that all visitors must maintain silence and respect. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier correctly reminded everyone to maintain decorum, and Hegseth has always honored military sacrifices. The incident follows Hegseth narrowly surviving an impeachment effort in Congress, with Democrats set to renew attempts in January. It also echoes a 2024 controversy when a Trump campaign staffer reportedly shoved a cemetery employee during a visit.