Protesters Greet Secretary of War Hegseth with Chants in Quonset

Hegseth faced criticism over Trump administration's foreign policy during visit to defense companies in Rhode Island and Maine.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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President Trump's Secretary of War, Peter Hegseth, faced a chilly reception during his 'Arsenal of Freedom Tour' visit to Quonset, Rhode Island on Monday. Around 100 protesters braved below-freezing temperatures to hold signs and lead chants criticizing Hegseth and the Trump administration's foreign policy, which has included actions like murdering suspected smuggling boat crews and invading Venezuela. Despite the protest, Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed commended Hegseth for visiting the state to see defense manufacturing firsthand, though he declined an invitation to join the tour.

Why it matters

Hegseth's visit highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's hawkish foreign policy and growing public opposition, especially in liberal-leaning states like Rhode Island. The protest also reflects concerns about the role of the defense industry and the potential for abuse of military power under the Trump presidency.

The details

During Hegseth's visit to Quonset, around 100 protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's foreign policy. The protesters, led by U.S. Army veteran Kristin Lancaster, engaged in call-and-response chants, with the crowd shouting 'When I say Hegseth, you say criminal!' Hegseth also visited defense companies in Bath, Maine as part of his 'Arsenal of Freedom Tour'.

  • On Monday, February 9, 2026, Secretary of War Hegseth visited Quonset, Rhode Island.

The players

Peter Hegseth

President Trump's Secretary of War and former television personality, who was visiting defense companies in Rhode Island and Maine as part of his 'Arsenal of Freedom Tour'.

Kristin Lancaster

A U.S. Army veteran who led the protest against Hegseth in Quonset, Rhode Island.

Jack Reed

A Rhode Island Senator who commended Hegseth for visiting the state, even though he declined an invitation to join the tour.

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What they’re saying

“When I say Hegseth, you say criminal!”

— Kristin Lancaster, U.S. Army veteran (substack.com)

“It is a positive thing that Secretary Hegseth is visiting Quonset to see some critical defense manufacturing production firsthand. While I was invited to join, I politely declined because of a previous, longstanding commitment. I hope the secretary comes away from this visit with a keen appreciation for the skill, dedication, and innovation of our talented defense workers and an understanding of the need to invest in our Submarine Industrial Base shipbuilders, shipyards, and critical suppliers.”

— Jack Reed, Rhode Island Senator (substack.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.