War Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced significant backlash after he and his entourage visited Arlington National Cemetery during a solemn Veterans Day observance. A soldier shouted at them to lower their voices, leading to a surge of reactions on social media as the video circulated.
The event occurred at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where attendees had assembled to honor American servicemen who lost their lives in military conflicts.
While the traditional silence was being observed at the memorial, Hegseth and his group were allegedly heard speaking loudly, laughing, and taking pictures on the steps.
Their conduct was deemed inappropriate, prompting a soldier on duty to step in. Social media footage captures a uniformed soldier delivering a stern reminder to those present.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” the soldier exclaimed.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most revered memorials in the United States and is governed by strict conduct regulations.
The site is monitored 24/7 by members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, who are tasked with honoring unidentified American servicemen who died while serving the nation.
A soldier admonishes Pete Hegseth’s group to be quiet during the Arlington ceremony. Silence and respectful conduct are expected from all visitors to the memorial, irrespective of their rank or status. The incident quickly drew criticism from veterans’ advocates and political analysts, who questioned the behavior in a place dedicated to commemorating fallen service members.
Some also highlighted Hegseth’s military background. The defense secretary previously served in the Army National Guard before transitioning to a television career and subsequently assuming the country’s top civilian defense position.
“That place has one rule. He enforced it,” one individual commented on X.
“The entire Trump administration treats our military like sh!t,” another asserted, while a third remarked, “A complete lack of professionalism and respect from this group.”
“I hope Hegseth does not retaliate against this guard!” a fourth stated, and a fifth commented, “It wouldn’t shock me if Hegseth dismissed the guard. He’s such a terrible person.”
Intense criticism on social media – White House responds. “This young soldier possesses more courage and dignity than many US lawmakers, law firms, tech executives, and others who ignored the law or acted inappropriately when Trump or his associates misbehaved,” another user remarked.
One user stated, “Absolutely disgraceful for a Defense Secretary. Nothing is solemn; nothing earns respect from these individuals.”
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