Pete Hegseth Awards Tomb Sentinel
Pete Hegseth awarded a medal to the sentinel who reprimanded his group at Arlington.
November 12, 2026 · Updated 3:23pm ET
CNNHegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded him and aides at Arlington Cemetery
CBS NewsHegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded his group at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Washington TimesHegseth awards medal to Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sentry who reprimanded defense secretary’s group
Daily BeastPentagon Pete Scrambles to Save Face After Humiliating Shushing
Military TimesGuard appears to rebuke Hegseth's delegation at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
FOX NewsSoldier who scolded Hegseth's entourage at Tomb of Unknown Soldier receives special honor from Pentagon chief
The New York TimesA Warrior Secretary and a Lesson at the Tomb of the Unknowns
USA TODAYWhat is a sentinel, and what did he say to Pete Hegseth?
The Gateway PunditCLASS ACT! Pete Hegseth Awards Prestigious Military Medal to Soldier Who Reprimanded Him and His Staff for Disrupting the Solemn Atmosphere at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
HuffPost‘Absolutely Disgusting’: Critics Torch Pete Hegseth After ‘Shameful’ Tomb Incident
UPIHegseth awards medal to soldier who admonished him at Arlington
Just the NewsHegseth gives medal to soldier who reprimanded him and his aides at Arlington National Cemetary
Joe.My.God.Pentagon Backs Soldier In Hegseth Tomb Incident
Associated PressHegseth awards soldier who scolded him and his aides at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
New York PostHegseth gives top award to soldier who scolded him, aides at Arlington National Cemetery
AlterNetRetired general 'couldn’t be prouder' after Hegseth earned soldier’s rebuke
Defense NewsGuard appears to rebuke Hegseth’s delegation at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Breitbart NewsPentagon chief decorates soldier who reprimanded him and his entourage
PBS NewsHourHegseth presents award to soldier who scolded him and his aides at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
NBC NewsHegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded him at Arlington National Cemetery
The Daily WireHegseth Awards Medal To Soldier Who Scolded His Entourage On Veterans Day
Boston GlobeHegseth awards soldier who ordered Defense Secretary to maintain ‘respect’ at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Political WireHegseth Awards Medal to Soldier Who Reprimanded Him
Daily MailPete Hegseth gives award to soldier who yelled at him during ceremony
MEDIAiteHegseth Honors Soldier Who Berated His Posse at Sacred Site
TownhallThis Soldier Scolded Pete Hegseth. Now He's Getting a Medal.
MS NOWHegseth honors soldier who admonished his group for laughing at Arlington
RedStateMedia Tries New Smear Against Hegseth, but His Response Shows How Right He Is for the Job
Democracy Now!Hegseth and His Entourage Scolded for Breaking Decorum at Arlington National Cemetery
ZeroHedgeHegseth Awards Medal To Soldier Who Reprimanded His Entourage At Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier
New RepublicPete Hegseth Pins Medal on Soldier Who Yelled At Him
49%
Left · 20
24%
Center · 10
27%
Right · 11
Pano rates the coverage Leans Left.
What happened
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded Army Spc. Thomas Iglesias a Joint Service Commendation Medal on Thursday after the sentinel reprimanded his group for noise near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Hegseth hosted members of the Army’s Old Guard3rd Infantry RegimentUnited States Army combat formation at the Pentagon, where officials said Iglesias was honored for carrying out his duties on Veterans Day.
- “We love soldiers, we love standards,” Hegseth wrote on social media alongside photos of the presentation, adding, “Well done, Specialist.”
- The Old Guard maintains a round-the-clock watch at the Arlington National Cemetery memorial honoring unidentified American service members.
- It remains unclear whether Iglesias qualified for the medal under Pentagon rules limiting eligibility to service members on joint-duty assignments.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets generally presented the medal against the backdrop of Hegseth’s embarrassing reprimand. CNN led with the award and his praise for the soldier, while The New York Times said his “highly cultivated brand took a hit” and the Daily Beast described the presentation as an effort to “save face.”
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets generally emphasized Hegseth honoring a soldier for upholding standards, with some praising his response. Fox News highlighted the sentinel’s “special honor,” and The Washington Times stressed his duty regardless of whom he was scolding. The Gateway Pundit called Hegseth a “CLASS ACT!”
Hegseth Pentagon Turmoil
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