President Donald Trump held a meeting with senior military officials at the Quantico military base near Washington, which has sparked significant controversy. The meeting, which occurred on Tuesday, brought together numerous generals, admirals, and their advisors. The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had called for this meeting unexpectedly. Trump and Hegseth, in their speeches, made remarks that were viewed as disrespectful towards the military and proposed the use of the armed forces to combat internal threats. Hegseth directed insulting comments at military personnel who did not share his perspective on representing the US Senate. Many found his statements inappropriate during the meeting. This particular meeting is regarded as an important event, usually attended by the most senior military officers in the US. However, Hegseth’s comments about soldiers stood out.
During the same meeting, President Donald Trump also gave a speech. He criticized his political opponents and suggested that crime was higher in Democrat-led cities, despite actual crime rates showing a decline. Trump indicated his desire to use the military against domestic threats. While domestic deployment of the military is not typical in the US, Trump had previously deployed the National Guard to some cities. Trump argued that he was assisting the public and fighting crime, leading to public protests in some areas. He stated that the meeting would be a ‘big task’ for many involved, an ‘internal fight.’
Hegseth asserted that previous leaders had made the military a ‘woke department,’ meaning they focused excessively on political correctness. That would not be the case anymore. He also criticized the appearance of soldiers, asserting that ‘fat generals and admirals’ should not be in the Pentagon. Hegseth also stated that only the fittest individuals would be chosen for combat. If women did not meet those standards, it wouldn’t matter. He did not want to see weaker people in the military. Hegseth condemned the efforts to diversify the military and the inclusion of transgender soldiers. He stated that recognition months, diversity offices, and the allowance of boys wearing dresses would no longer be permitted. A ban on beards was also announced, potentially impacting African American soldiers with a skin condition that causes great pain upon shaving.