What happened
Aides to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth damaged a historic globe used by General Dwight D. Eisenhower during WWII while attempting to move it to Hegseth's office. The globe, which is approximately 30 inches in diameter, was being relocated from its usual spot when the moving crew lost control of it, causing it to crash onto its base and tear a gash several inches wide near Antarctica.
The incident occurred in early February, and the Army has confirmed the damage. The globe, which is thought to have been used by Eisenhower in 1942, is a significant historical artifact and was not properly handled during the move. Normally, historic pieces like the globe are moved by trained curators, but due to a partial government shutdown, the usual protocols were not followed.
Instead, Hegseth's team sent in their own crew to move the globe, which resulted in the damage. It is unclear whether Hegseth personally ordered the move or if another senior official gave the green light. The damaged globe has become a source of jokes in the Pentagon's corridors, with some officials saying it reflects Hegseth's brashness and fondness for World War II nostalgia.
The incident has also raised questions about Hegseth's handling of other matters, including the war with Iran. The war, which began just weeks after the globe moving incident, has been deeply unpopular with Americans and has driven up costs at home. Hegseth has faced mounting criticism over his handling of the war, and the damaged globe has become a symbol of his leadership style.
