The US Army sentinel who reprimanded Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was presented a medal by the Pentagon chief on Thursday.
While visiting Arlington Cemetery after a Veterans Day service on Wednesday, Hegseth and guests, including members of his staff, were scolded by a guard at the tomb after they could be heard laughing and talking while taking photos.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the guard yelled at the group. Video of the incident quickly circulated on social media.
On Thursday, Hegseth posted photos on his social media account that show him awarding the sentinel, identified by the Pentagon as Specialist Thomas Iglesias, the Joint Service Commendation Medal. A Defense Department official told the Globe that Hegseth invited all of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, also known as the Old Guard, to the Pentagon.
“We love soldiers. We love standards,” Hegseth captioned the photos. “Well done, Specialist.”
Hegseth has been under the spotlight following Republicans’ historic midterm election losses, which many in the party have blamed at least in part on Hegseth’s actions in the Iran war. The Defense Secretary survived an impeachment attempt on Tuesday lead by GOP Representative Thomas Massie, with all other House Republican voting to strike down the charges.
Democrats have indicated that they could pursue additional impeachment articles against Hegseth at the start of the new term in January, when the party will control both the House and the Senate.
President Trump and other GOP leaders have denounced efforts to remove Hegseth from office. The Pentagon chief called the impeachment articles earlier this week a “political spectacle.”
Kaitlin Lewis can be reached at Kaitlin.Lewis@globe.com. Follow her on X @kblewey.