Soldier rebukes US defense secretary's entourage at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Hegseth awards him medal

In depth

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived with his entourage at the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. After laying wreaths near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, laughter was heard from the entourage. The soldier guarding the site rebuked the group and asked them to keep quiet and show respect.

The incident occurred the day after the House of Representatives blocked an attempt to oust Hegseth. Hegseth previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantry officer and was decorated with a commendation ribbon. The soldier who rebuked the entourage was invited to the Pentagon.

The following day, Hegseth presented Thomas Iglesias with a medal of commendation. According to him, "Well done, professional" and "We love soldiers. We love standards". On the same day, it was revealed that Secretary of State Rubio used military aircraft to watch his son's games in Florida, at a cost of more than $1 million.