Hegseth’s Staff Damage Historic Eisenhower Globe During Pentagon Move

Key points

• Hegseth requested the globe for his office in February 2026, and staff attempted to move it without specialist movers.
• The globe was dropped, causing a gash near the base and detaching the sphere from its metal mounting.
• The Pentagon called the item a 'replica' and dismissed the incident, but NBC News confirmed it is the original artifact.
• The globe is cataloged by the Army Center of Military History and features green pen notations from Eisenhower’s time as supreme commander.
• The incident was first reported by The Washington Post on October 22, 2026, and is currently under repair.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of Hegseth’s focus on historical military artifacts and his 'warrior ethos' in the Department of Defense. In October 2026, he also issued a memorandum prohibiting military staff from betting on war outcomes, citing concerns about foreign adversaries analyzing such bets. Additionally, in October 2026, Hegseth recommended the firing squad as the method for the execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan, set for December 3, 2026, at Fort Hood, Texas, marking the first U.S. military execution since 1961 and the first by firing squad since World War II.

How outlets are covering it

The Pentagon dismissed the incident as an 'inconsequential non-story' and called the globe a 'replica,' while NBC News and The Washington Post confirmed it is the original artifact. The Guardian emphasized the 'priceless' nature of the globe and the 'apparent lack of patience' by Hegseth’s staff, while USA Today focused on the Pentagon’s statement that 'accidents happen' and the lack of information on repair costs and timelines. All outlets agreed that the globe was damaged during a botched relocation attempt in February 2026, but they differed in their emphasis on the artifact’s historical significance and the Pentagon’s response.

Why it matters

The incident raises questions about the handling of historical military artifacts within the Department of Defense and the potential for damage to irreplaceable items. It also highlights tensions between the Pentagon’s public statements and the findings of investigative journalists, as well as the broader context of Hegseth’s focus on historical military artifacts and his 'warrior ethos' in the Department of Defense.

What to watch

The globe is currently undergoing repair, and it is unclear how long the repair will take or how much it will cost. The Pentagon has not provided further information on the incident, and it is unclear if there will be any further action taken against the staff members involved in the botched relocation.