November 12, 2026
Pete Hegseth gets into hot water after being scolded by an Army sentry for laughing around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day.
Military analysts and veterans are furious after footage surfaced of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s entourage being told off by an Army sentry for laughing around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day.
“I think it was inappropriate. It was quite disturbing,” CNN military analyst and retired Air Force Col Cedric Leighton said. “I wonder who thought it was a good idea to take pictures in that particular location at that particular time.” You’ve got to lead by example and if you don’t then that’s an issue.
Former CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr also questioned Hegseth’s decision making. “Would the Secretary of Defense not be aware that silence and respect are the way to go at Arlington National Cemetery every day, but especially on Veterans Day?” she said, after footage showed a sentry telling the group they must keep “an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times”.
This shows poor decision making and the Defense Secretary should be setting an example of showing respect for America’s fallen. This is not just an embarrassment but a complete leadership failure.