A US Army sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier shouted at Pete Hegseth's delegation to keep quiet after laughter was heard as the group climbed the memorial steps, according to video of the incident.
It lands a day after Hegseth narrowly survived an impeachment effort in the House, handing his critics a public symbol as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers and investigate his stewardship of the military.
All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.
Members of the group pose for pictures on the steps before laughter begins, the footage shows. Hegseth looks back towards the soldier as he keeps walking up.
At the tomb with him was his wife, Jennifer, as well as Ricky Buria, who served as chief of staff, Patrick Weaver, his deputy, and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.
The incident was first reported by CNN.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said a soldier had properly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum on a solemn day, and that the Department has always honoured the sacrifices of military men and women, and always will.
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.
The ceremony and the rules of the tomb
Hegseth and his staff were at the tomb for a larger Veterans Day ceremony that President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance also attended. Trump and Vance each laid a wreath at the memorial and gave remarks afterwards.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands at Arlington National Cemetery, holding the remains of three unidentified American service members, one of whom served in World War One. Le Monde says the site honours unknown troops who served in World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
What we know
- A sentinel shouted at the delegation after laughter was heard on the memorial steps on 11 November 2026.
- The tomb has been guarded around the clock since 1948.
- The House rejected the impeachment effort by 211 votes to 204.
Still unclear
- Whether the reprimand was aimed at Hegseth or at the group as a whole.
- Whether Hegseth or his office responded beyond the Pentagon spokesperson's statement.
- Whether any follow-up or disciplinary action is planned.
Since 1948, a soldier of the Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, has guarded the site around the clock, rain or shine. Sentinels are on duty 24 hours a day at a place widely treated as one for mourning and reflection on military service.
Staff Sgt Chadwick Winget, the relief commander, said in an article on the US Army website that sentinels on average address noisy crowds roughly two or three times per day.
They’re talking and not realizing how loud they’re being, or laughing or making jokes amongst their group. It detracts from the other people that are trying to pay their respects.
How the exchange is described
The Pentagon's account
Sean Parnell, chief spokesperson
- A soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to keep decorum
- The Department honours the sacrifices of service members
The video and the guard routine
Footage and the relief commander
- The group posed for pictures on the steps before the laughter
- Hegseth looked back at the soldier as he kept walking
- Sentinels address noisy crowds two or three times a day, Winget said
It's unclear whether the reprimand was aimed at Hegseth himself or at the group as a whole. So is whether Hegseth responded beyond the Pentagon statement, or whether any follow-up action is planned.
A former Republican congressman calls the conduct unbecoming
Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, criticised the delegation's conduct in a post on X.
Pete Hegseth doesn’t know how to conduct himself, even at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery
His behavior is unbecoming of any visitor to the Tomb, let alone that which comes from a Secretary of Defense.
The former congressman said Hegseth treats everything as a show and is wholly unqualified for the job, adding that he was very proud the country upheld those standards despite the defense secretary.
One day after a narrow escape in the House
The House rejected the impeachment effort by 211 votes to 204. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., led it, with Democrats backing him.
- 10 NovHouse vote
The House rejects the impeachment effort against Hegseth by 211 votes to 204.
- 11 NovVeterans Day
A sentinel shouts at Hegseth's delegation after laughter on the memorial steps at Arlington.
- January 2027Democrats take control
Democrats take over the House and Senate and have promised to investigate Hegseth.
Republicans lost control of both chambers in the midterm elections, with Democrats set to take over in January.
Hegseth's record and his support
Hours before the vote on Tuesday, Hegseth defended his record and dismissed the impeachment effort as a farce during a rare Pentagon press conference.
His record also involves support for the unpopular Iran war, strikes against suspected drug vessels in Latin American waters and the dismissal of senior military officers. He served in Iraq as an Army National Guard soldier.
The Democratic minority leader, Hakeem Jeffries, supports impeaching Hegseth and has accused him of undermining America's national security. He's expected to become speaker of the House in the next Congress, while Trump has signalled that he continues to support Hegseth.
Democrats take control of the House and Senate, with investigations into Hegseth's stewardship of the military promised and another impeachment effort not ruled out.
