What in the World: Hegseth’s Staff Reportedly Fumbles His Bid to Snag Eisenhower’s Globe

(AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)

A World War II-era globe used by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was reportedly damaged while staff attempted to move it to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s office.

The Washington Post dropped a report on Thursday that included images of a damaged Eisenhower globe, one of two that the Pentagon possesses. According to the report, Hegseth wanted one of the historic globes moved to his office and it was damaged in the process as his staff dealt with a partial government shutdown at the time.

The alleged incident reportedly became “instant fodder for gossip and jokes inside the Pentagon.” The globes in question date back to the 1930s. Eisenhower, a famous World War II general, has been noted as being a fan of globes.

Citing people familiar with the situation, The Post reported that Hegseth’s staff requested one of two Eisenhower globes be moved to Hegseth’s office. The Army acknowledged that the globe was damaged during an attempted move in February, creating a hole. The globe was not ultimately moved that day.

“An accident occurred while staff were transporting a replica of the Eisenhower globe as part of its relocation. Accidents happen, we are grateful no one was harmed, and the globe is being repaired. It is unsurprising that the Washington Post is once again dedicating time to another inconsequential non-story,” a Defense Department spokesperson said in a statement.

A Pentagon official had refused to provide an image of the globe, but The Post obtained reported images.

A plaque with the globe reads:

According to popular theory, the one in this room was first used by Dwight D. Eisenhower while serving on the General Staff as Chief of the War Plans Division from February to March 1942 and Operations Division from March to June 1942,” the sign states. “It is conjectured that this was retained by the successors to the Operations Division, known today as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-35.

The Pentagon reportedly expected “to consult with experts at the U.S. Army Center of Military History on how to ensure its safe transport,” but they found the employees they would need to consult with had been furloughed due to a government shutdown. Hegseth’s staff decided to move the 30-inch globe themselves.

It’s not clear if Hegseth himself ordered the relocation, but the globe was ultimately not relocated, according to the outlet.

According to the report, the attempt to move the globe happened the same day that the government shutdown ended in April.

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