# Hegseth and aides scolded by guard for laughing at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/hegseth-and-aides-scolded-by-guard-for-laughing-at-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier/
- Published: 2026-11-12T00:15:06+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/nov/11/hegseth-scolded-tomb-unknown-soldier
- Topics: Americas, Politics, World

## Key points

- Kinzinger criticised Hegseth’s conduct at Arlington.
- A sentinel reminded the group to keep silence and respect.
- The impeachment effort against Hegseth had failed the day before.

## Summary

Newly added reporting highlights that former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger condemned Pete Hegseth’s conduct at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, calling it “truly abhorrent” and praising the sentinel for enforcing the rules. The incident drew attention because Hegseth is the US defence secretary and the memorial is a solemn site honouring an unknown soldier killed in the First World War.

Video captured a laugh as Hegseth, his wife and aides walked near the tomb after a Veterans Day ceremony, prompting a sentinel to call out that visitors must maintain silence and respect. A Pentagon spokesman said the reminder was appropriate and that the department honours military sacrifices. Sentinels have guarded the tomb around the clock since 1948 and address noisy visitors roughly two or three times a day; the incident came a day after House Republicans rejected an effort to impeach Hegseth by 211 votes to 204.

## Coverage

- [The Guardian: Hegseth and aides scolded by guard for laughing at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/nov/11/hegseth-scolded-tomb-unknown-soldier)
- [Fox News: Army sentinel sharply reprimands Hegseth's group at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/army-sentinel-sharply-reprimands-hegseths-group-tomb-unknown-soldier-veterans-day)
- [New York Post: Army guard scolds Pentagon officials, including Pete Hegseth, heard laughing at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier](https://nypost.com/2026/11/11/us-news/army-guard-scolds-pentagon-officials-including-pete-hegseth-heard-laughing-at-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.