Staff Damages Historic Eisenhower Globe at Pentagon
A historic World War II-era globe used by General Dwight D. Eisenhower sustained damage during a failed relocation attempt.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Military
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In early February 2026, staff members for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth damaged a 30-inch historic floor globe while attempting to move the artifact. The incident occurred during a partial government shutdown that prevented the use of professional curators.
Why it matters
The accidental damage highlights the risks posed to museum-grade military artifacts when administrative staff attempt to handle historical objects without proper expert guidance. The artifact is currently undergoing repairs after sustaining a significant gash.
The damaged artifact is a 30-inch floor globe formerly used by General Dwight D. Eisenhower. It stands in contrast to a separate 40-inch Eisenhower globe that is 4 feet tall.
The players
Pete Hegseth
He serves as the United States Secretary of Defense.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
He was a five-star general during World War II and the 34th President of the United States.
Army Center of Military History
Located in Anniston, Alabama, this institution is responsible for maintaining the historical records and artifacts of the United States Army.
The details
Pentagon staff attempted to transport the globe to the defense secretarys office themselves rather than hiring trained professionals. The globe crashed on its base during the move, resulting in an inches-wide gash near the area depicted as Antarctica.
Timeline
The damage occurred during an attempted relocation in early February 2026.
The media reported on the incident on October 22, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the current administration argue that the mishandling of the artifact exposes a lack of oversight regarding the protection of public historical property. They emphasize that the incident reflects broader concerns about the failure to prioritize expert staffing for national cultural resources.
Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for the costs associated with the professional restoration of this damaged historical asset. The incident serves as a reminder of the impacts federal administrative disruptions can have on the upkeep of public property.
The takeaway
Preserving historical artifacts requires specialized training and oversight that cannot be easily replaced by administrative staff. When moving sensitive items, consult with professional curators to avoid costly and irreversible damage.
Further reading
Learn more about oversight and maintenance of assets at the Military section.
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Should government officials use professional experts when moving historic artifacts instead of their own staff?
