Pentagon Staff Damage Historic Eisenhower Globe During Unauthorized Move
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's staff accidentally damaged a historic WWII globe belonging to Dwight D. Eisenhower while attempting to move it themselves.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A historic 30-inch globe once utilized by General Dwight D. Eisenhower during World War II was severely damaged after staff members for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attempted to relocate the artifact to his office without professional assistance.
The U.S. Army Center of Military History, which typically manages such delicate items, had its curators furloughed at the time due to a partial government shutdown. This shutdown stemmed from a legislative impasse regarding immigration policy, which intensified following the shooting of two civilian protesters by federal agents in Minneapolis.
According to reports, the staff proceeded with the move despite the absence of trained experts. The attempt resulted in the globe being dropped, causing it to crash into its base and leaving a multi-inch gash near the Antarctic region of the sphere.
Army spokesman Christopher Surridge confirmed that the incident occurred on February 3. He noted that the spherical portion of the globe was also detached from its metal rotating mount, rendering the item immobile since the accident.
A source familiar with the situation attributed the mishap to an apparent lack of patience within the Secretary’s team. While the Pentagon declined to provide photos of the damage, officials stated that the globe is currently undergoing repairs and expressed relief that no personnel were injured during the incident.
The artifact holds significant historical value, with a plaque at the Pentagon noting that Eisenhower used it while serving on the General Staff in 1942. The incident has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with users comparing the event to a lack of regard for historical protocol.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
