Hegseth and staff reprimanded for laughing at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his staff were verbally reprimanded by a soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after a loud laugh was heard during a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Video shows Hegseth taking photos with his wife and senior advisers on the steps in front of the tomb when the soldier shouted 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 occurred less than a day after Hegseth narrowly survived an impeachment effort in Congress, which Democrats are expected to renew when they take control in January. It also follows a 2024 controversy when a Trump campaign staffer reportedly shoved a cemetery employee during a visit.