Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday awarded a commendation medal to the soldier who admonished him and his entourage for their disruptive behavior at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.
Hegseth, his wife and a handful of advisers were talking loudly and laughing as they departed a Veterans Day observance Wednesday, after posing for photographs in front of the landmark. The cemetery, which is overseen by the U.S. Army, prohibits such behavior at the hallowed site.
The soldier on duty guarding the tomb, Spec. Thomas Iglesias, turned to Hegseth’s entourage and bellowed: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” The encounter was captured by TV crews documenting a wreath-laying ceremony that was attended by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and a number of other top administration and military officials.
The video went viral on social media and elicited a furious backlash from critics incredulous that a sitting U.S. defense secretary — himself a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq — would behave disrespectfully at one of the nation’s most sacred memorials. Since entering office last year, Hegseth has been a lightning rod for controversy and criticism — culminating this week in House lawmakers’ failed attempt to impeach him.
On Thursday, Hegseth welcomed Iglesias and members of his unit, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment — known as “the Old Guard” — and presented Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Pentagon said in a statement. The award is a mid-level recognition for meritorious achievement.
Hegseth later posted photos of the reception to social media, writing: “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots.”
We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots. pic.twitter.com/Uk6ek6oOso
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 12, 2026
The Pentagon sought to quell the controversy Wednesday, saying in a statement that Iglesias “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.” Hegseth has “always honored — and will always honor — the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe,” it read.
Military personnel have stood watch continuously over the Tomb of the Unknowns since 1937.
Wednesday’s incident occurred amid the Trump administration’s divisive drive to build a 250-foot memorial arch near the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery. A Washington Post investigation of the project’s design found that the structure would cast shadows over as many as 75,000 grave sites there.
The effort is being challenged in court.
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