Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Photo: Fae)
War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s controversial reputation reached a fever pitch this week after narrowly surviving impeachment before being reprimanded by a member of the Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C.
On Tuesday, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth with support from House Democrats. The allegations included carrying out military operations without Congressional authorization, failing to protect civilians during military strikes adequately, and actions involving Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela.
Massie also questioned Hegseth’s handling of strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in which watercraft were repeatedly struck by missiles to eliminate survivors as well as his treatment of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ari.), a retired Navy pilot who publicly discussed the military’s obligation to reject unlawful orders.
The House voted 211-204 to send the impeachment resolution to the Judiciary Committee, stopping an immediate vote on the charges.
Nearly a dozen House Democrats missed the procedural vote, prompting criticism within their own party. Seven Republicans were also absent. Several Democrats cited traffic delays, while others reported personal obligations or emergencies, including an emergency open-heart surgery operation for Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.).
Hegseth denied wrongdoing during a Pentagon news conference, arguing that the allegations involved disagreements over military policy rather than impeachable offenses. President Donald Trump largely defended Hegseth’s handling of the military and supported the effort to block impeachment. The vote did not determine whether the allegations were valid. It prevented the House from taking them up immediately.
With Democrats preparing to take control of Congress in January 2027, lawmakers are likely to pursue the impeachment effort again.
On Veterans Day, a member of the Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reprimanded Hegseth and members of his staff after laughter was heard near the memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
The incident occurred following a ceremony attended by President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Hegseth was taking photographs with his wife, Jennifer, and several senior aides when someone in the group laughed.
The soldier stopped his patrol, faced the visitors, and called out, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”
Video of the encounter circulated online, drawing attention to the group’s behavior at one of the nation’s most solemn military memorials. The footage does not make clear who laughed.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors unidentified American Service Members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Soldiers from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment have maintained a continuous watch there since 1948. All visitors must remain quiet and respectful.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the incident and confirmed that the soldier had appropriately reminded the group to follow the rules.
The next day, Hegseth invited members of The Old Guard to the Pentagon and presented Spc. Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his actions at the tomb.
