WASHINGTON – Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth’s staff damaged a standing globe believed to have been used by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower while they were attempting to move the artifact into Hegseth’s office.
A Pentagon official acknowledged the incident in a statement on Oct. 22, saying that “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,” the official added.
The Washington Post first reported that Hegseth’s staff dropped and caused damage to the Eisenhower globe while trying to relocate the item into his office. Hegseth was reportedly drawn to the historical significance of the artifact, which was used by
Eisenhower during World War II.
The Pentagon did not provide information about how much the repairs will cost and how long it will take to restore the globe.
Staff from Hegseth’s office tried to move the Eisenhower globe without support from trained curators who usually oversee efforts to relocate historical artifacts housed in the Pentagon, according to the Washington Post.
The globe suffered damage to its shell near Antarctica and became detached from its metal mounting after it was dropped. It is not clear why the staff members opted to relocate the globe themselves instead of relying on trained professionals.
Two Eisenhower globes are in the Pentagon, and the artifacts are considered to be priceless. Eisenhower served as a five-star general in the U.S. Army and commanded the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II. He later served as the 34th president of the United States.
Eisenhower had an affinity for globes and repeatedly posed in photos with them. He was also known to give globes as gifts to other politicians.
A photo of the damaged Eisenhower globe obtained by the Washington Post shows a sign on the artifact that explained its connection to the famous general.
“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 stated. “It is conjectured that this was retained by the successors to the Operations Division.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Accidents happen': Hegseth's staff damage historical Eisenhower globe
