Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth got fierce Democratic backlash after laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) answered with a blunt two-word response when a reporter asked whether he had anything to say to Hegseth.
Steve Cohen responds to the Veterans Day incident at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Cohen told Meidas Touch reporter, “F*** off.” It followed a public scolding at the tomb. A U.S. Army sentinel halted his march and announced, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” forcing Hegseth and his group to quiet down. Additionally, the controversy landed less than a day after Hegseth survived an impeachment attempt in the House. So, multiple Democratic lawmakers condemned his conduct at the sacred site.
Cohen called the behavior “fitting for Hegseth,” saying the former Fox News host “has no respect for anybody.” He doubted any punishment would follow “because Trump won’t care — and doesn’t understand it.”
However, some critics feared the soldier would face retaliation for correcting the defense secretary. Cohen rejected that concern. “I think nothing will happen to the officer. It shouldn’t. He’s, in my opinion, a hero,” he said.
After all, Hegseth afterward gave the soldier and his colleagues an award for their service. He posted photos of the meeting with the caption, “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots.”
But asked what message the tomb incident sends to the armed forces and the public, Cohen did not soften his view of Hegseth: “I think his entire, his appointment, was an embarrassment to the troops. He’s a clown.”
For those unaware, Pete Hegseth and his party, after taking a picture, before continuing to take another, burst into laughter. This prompted the soldier to command them to maintain decorum, which immediately led them to leave that spot.
