Soldier who scolded Hegseth at Arlington Cemetery receives top enlisted honor

A soldier who publicly reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his party for talking and laughing at a national cemetery has received a military decoration.

Hegseth posted a photo on X on Thursday (local time) showing him presenting the award to the soldier, writing: "We love our soldiers. We love discipline. Well done, Corporal. Keep marching. Patriots."

The soldier Hegseth decorated was Corporal Thomas Iglesias.

Iglesias serves as a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

On Veterans Day — Thursday (local time) — Iglesias was on patrol duty at Arlington National Cemetery when Hegseth's party began taking photographs near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following a commemorative ceremony.

As the photo session wrapped up, some members of Hegseth's party began laughing and talking as they moved to leave. Iglesias called out to them: "All visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."

The moment was captured by a broadcast camera and drew wide attention.

Hegseth's decision to decorate the soldier who had called out his own party for breaching protocol is seen as an attempt to turn public opinion in his favor.

According to the Associated Press, the award presented to Iglesias was the Joint Service Commendation Medal — the highest honor available to enlisted personnel.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, situated at the highest point within Arlington National Cemetery, holds the remains of unidentified US service members killed in World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

It is the most solemn site within the cemetery.

Meanwhile, House Republicans successfully blocked a floor vote on an impeachment motion against Hegseth.

The House voted Tuesday (local time) to refer the impeachment motion to a standing committee, with the procedural measure passing 211 to 204, according to Yonhap.

As a result, the motion will not go directly to a full floor vote but will instead be sent to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee — effectively shelving it, as Republicans currently control the panel.

Every Republican lawmaker voted in favor of the referral except Rep. Thomas Massie, who had introduced the impeachment motion after falling out with President Donald Trump. Republicans had feared the vote might fail due to low attendance among their members, but 11 Democratic lawmakers were absent.

The result is seen as a meaningful win for Republicans, allowing them to blunt a Democratic offensive that had gained momentum following the party's midterm election losses. However, if Hegseth remains in office until the new Congress convenes early next year, the Democratic Party is expected to pursue impeachment again.

Trump reacted on Truth Social, writing: "The Democrats' attempt to impeach Hegseth failed miserably. The Democrats continue to weaponize and abuse America. They must be stopped."