Defense Secretary Hegseth Calls Protesters Ingrates

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denounced protesters as "ingrates" during a public safety event in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The secretary, along with White House adviser Stephen Miller and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, was addressing National Guard troops at Meridian Hill Park when demonstrators disrupted the proceedings with shouts, whistles, and sirens.

The event, organized by the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, was part of preparations for America's 250th anniversary celebrations. Approximately 150 to 200 National Guard members stood in formation as officials praised their work. Hegseth began his remarks by apologizing for a delay and thanking the troops for waiting in the sweltering heat. His speech was repeatedly interrupted by protesters outside the park who chanted phrases like "Guard, go home!" and "Shame!"

Hegseth directly addressed the disruption, calling the noise "perfect" and stating it was "the sound of ingrates, of ingratitude, of people who are so blinded by ideology they can't see law and order and common sense in front of them." He insisted the Guard's mission was not ideological or political, asserting that "law and order is...