Gwen Moore says Hegseth showed contempt for service members by disrespecting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

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Sentinel admonishes Hegseth's group at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day; the Pentagon says the soldier was right, and Gwen Moore and VoteVets call it disrespect

On November 11, 2026, after President Donald Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery for Veterans Day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, his wife Jennifer and several senior aides posed for photographs on the steps in front of the tomb. As the group broke up at about 12:30 p.m., someone in it laughed. The sentinel on duty turned toward them and called out: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." The pool camera at the tomb recorded the exchange. News reports did not establish who laughed. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Secretary and the department have always honored the sacrifices of service members, and that the soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum. Rep. Gwen Moore, a Wisconsin Democrat, said Hegseth showed contempt for service members by disrespecting the tomb. VoteVets called the episode a disgrace and repeated its call for his impeachment. On November 12, Hegseth welcomed the unit that guards the tomb to the Pentagon and gave the sentinel, Spc. Thomas Iglesias, the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He posted photos of the ceremony with the words "We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist."