Hegseth honors soldier who reprimanded him at Arlington
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal to Spc. Thomas Iglesias, the soldier who scolded him at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Hegseth posted photos on social media Thursday showing him pinning the award and shaking hands with Iglesias, praising the soldier for upholding standards. The Pentagon confirmed the medal was given for Iglesias's duties on November 11, 2026, after he reprimanded Hegseth and staffers for loud laughter during photo-taking at the revered memorial. The incident drew renewed attention to Hegseth, who survived an impeachment attempt the day before, led by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and backed by Democrats. With Democrats set to control Congress in January, further impeachment efforts are likely.