CBS: Active-duty sailor appeared onstage at partisan Republican convention

CBS reports that Petty Officer 2nd Class Wilbert Joseph Castañeda, whom a Navy official confirmed remained on active duty, appeared onstage with former hostages at the Republican midterm convention. CBS says Defense Department rules prohibit active-duty members from participating in partisan rallies or conventions, although they may attend as out-of-uniform spectators.

Response / context

CBS reported that Castañeda did not speak or wear a uniform and that it was unclear whether Navy officials knew of or approved the appearance. Neither Castañeda nor the Pentagon responded before publication. CBS did not report that Pete Hegseth personally knew of, approved or directed the appearance; his profile link supplies departmental context, not personal liability.

Dates and scope

Source publication: Sep 11, 2026 · 12:48 PM EDT

Event or conduct: 2026-09-10. CBS published the report September 11 about the sailor's September 10 convention appearance.

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1. CBS News: Navy sailor who was jailed in Venezuela took stage at GOP midterm convention ↗

   Published September 11 at 12:48 p.m. EDT · direct indexed article text read

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