Pentagon officials confirmed that a historic globe linked to General Dwight D. Eisenhower was damaged by staff members attempting to move the artifact into the office of Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. The incident occurred during the relocation process, which took place at the Pentagon earlier this month.

A Pentagon spokesperson acknowledged the accident in a statement on October 22, describing it as an inadvertent mishap while transporting a replica of the Eisenhower globe. The official noted that no one was injured and that efforts to repair the globe are currently underway. Further details on the estimated cost and timeline for restoration were not provided.

The damaged globe, one of two believed to be in the Pentagon, reportedly fell during the move, causing damage to its shell near the Antarctica region and detaching it from its metal mount. The staff members involved did not enlist the assistance of trained curators who typically manage the relocation of historical artifacts housed within the building.

The artifact holds significant historical value due to its connection to Eisenhower, who used the globe while serving as Chief of the War Plans Division and in the Operations Division during the early months of 1942. Eisenhower, a five-star Army general who later became the 34th President of the United States, was known for his affinity for globes, often posing with them in photographs and gifting them to fellow politicians.

A sign accompanying the globe, as seen in photographs obtained by news outlets, states that the artifact was first used by Eisenhower during his tenure on the General Staff, and it is thought to have been retained by successive officers in the Operations Division.

The decision by Hegseth’s team to move the globe without professional oversight has raised questions, as the Pentagon usually relies on specialists for handling valuable historical objects. The reasons behind this choice have not been disclosed.

As repairs progress, the Pentagon has emphasized the importance of the artifact and expressed commitment to its restoration. The incident highlights challenges in preserving historical items within government facilities while accommodating operational needs.