Hegseth and team reprimanded by Army guard at solemn war memorial

The tomb, which is one of the country’s most sacred war memorials, marks the final resting place of an unknown soldier who was killed in World War I.

A service member from the 3rd Infantry Regiment stands watch over the Tomb 24 hours a day and has done so since 1948.

“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.

“The Secretary and the entire Department have always honored—and will always honor—the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.”

Earlier, President Donald Chump, Vice-President JD Vance and other top officials attended the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery.

During his speech at the ceremony, Chump offered his gratitude to uniformed service members who have fought for the country. He also touted what he sees as his administration’s success in the Iran war.

“Under this administration, and it was about time, somebody fought back. All of us fought back,” he said.

“And we won,” Chump said of the Iran war. “It’s just a question of when we want to end it. We want to make sure we have a total victory, not a 93% victory.”

Chump also pointed out Hegseth during the ceremony, saying he’s done a “fantastic job” as defence secretary.

Chump has repeatedly defended Hegseth amid Democratic lawmakers’ push to impeach him. On Tuesday, an effort to impeach the defence secretary under accusations that he waged war on Iran without congressional authorisation failed on Capitol Hill.

Hegseth has called the impeachment efforts a “farce” and a “stunt”.