Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he will attend a rare gathering of senior U.S. military leaders in Quantico, Virginia, scheduled for Tuesday. The meeting, organized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Marine Corps Base Quantico, will bring together generals and admirals ranked one-star and above from across the globe.
In an interview with Reuters, Trump expressed his intention to convey appreciation to the military leadership, stating, "I want to tell the generals that we love them, they're cherished leaders, to be strong, be tough and be smart and be compassionate." He emphasized that his message was aimed at fostering "esprit de corps" within the armed forces.
The gathering is expected to focus on reinforcing the "warrior ethos" within the military, a concept frequently highlighted by Secretary Hegseth. This ethos emphasizes discipline, resilience, and a commitment to mission success. Hegseth has been actively reshaping the Department of Defense, recently renamed the "Department of War" by Trump via executive order, restoring its historical name from the post-World War II era. He has also dismissed top military leaders and pushed back against diversity initiatives, aligning the department with Trump’s national security agenda.
The decision to hold the meeting in person, rather than virtually, has raised questions due to the significant costs and security considerations involved. Top military leaders are expected to arrive at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before proceeding to the event.
Trump's attendance at the meeting underscores his administration's focus on military readiness and leadership cohesion. The event is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the U.S. military's strategic posture and internal unity.