Pete Hegseth at Veterans Day Event Near Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

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News (2 / 1) 12.11.2026 07:17 / Olga

Official response

Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell, who is 45, told Us that the secretary and his staff have always honored and will always honor the sacrifices made by service members. He added that the soldier's intervention was both correct and respectful.

Political fallout

The episode comes during a difficult stretch for Hegseth. On Nov. 9, Rep. Thomas Massie put forward updated articles of impeachment tied to Hegseth's actions on military matters in Iran. The defense secretary pushed back the next day, stating that no secretary has faced impeachment over lawful military operations and labeling the move as sabotage. House Republicans set the resolution aside, but Democrats might take it up again after they regain control of the House on Jan. 3, 2027. During a Pentagon briefing that ended a nearly 190-day pause, Hegseth expressed respect for Vice President JD Vance and highlighted the value of his contributions.