President Trump to Address Top U.S. Military Leaders at Quantico:

President Donald Trump is set to address hundreds of top-ranking U.S. military officials this week at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The gathering, which includes generals and admirals from around the globe, was unexpectedly called by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host who now oversees the country’s military strategy. Speaking to Reuters ahead of the meeting, Trump said he plans to deliver a message of appreciation and encouragement to the nation’s most senior commanders. “I want to tell the generals that we love them; they’re cherished leaders. Be strong, be tough, be smart, and be compassionate,” he said. Trump emphasized the importance of unity and morale among military leadership, calling the event “esprit de corps.” He added, “It’s about time somebody did that.” While Hegseth is expected to focus on reinforcing a “warrior ethos” within the military ranks, Trump’s appearance may take center stage. The president’s remarks are likely to highlight recent military successes, global readiness, and the broader vision for America’s armed forces. In a separate interview with NBC News, Trump said the gathering would include “talking about how well we’re doing militarily, talking about being in great shape, talking about a lot of good, positive things.” The event, first reported last Thursday, sparked speculation due to the short notice and lack of explanation. When initially asked about the meeting during an Oval Office appearance, Trump seemed unaware. “I’ll be there if they want me, but why is it such a big deal?” he asked. This gathering comes at a time when the president is increasingly involving the military in domestic affairs. The National Guard remains deployed in Washington, D.C., and smaller units are present in cities like Memphis, Tennessee. On Saturday, Trump authorized sending additional troops to Portland, Oregon, citing the need to combat what he called “domestic terrorists.” The use of military forces within the United States has faced significant pushback. In Los Angeles, the president sent both National Guard troops and active-duty Marines during protests over immigration raids—despite objections from state and local leaders. The legality of such deployments is being challenged in ongoing lawsuits in California and Washington, D.C., as U.S. law typically restricts the federal government from deploying troops without a state’s request. Abroad, the Trump administration continues to flex military power. In recent months, U.S. forces have carried out airstrikes on ships leaving Venezuela, reportedly killing at least 17 people. There have also been attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and continued operations in Yemen. Support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza remains firm under Trump’s leadership. Secretary Hegseth, who renamed the Department of Defense to the “Department of War,” has implemented several controversial policies since taking office. Among them, he has asked Pentagon reporters to avoid publishing unauthorized information and pledged to reform military culture to promote combat-readiness and loyalty. The Quantico summit will bring together over 800 generals and admirals—leaders of U.S. troops stationed in more than a dozen countries, from the Middle East to East Asia. Many command thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines spread across multiple time zones. For Trump, the meeting offers a high-profile opportunity to assert his vision of a strong, active, and politically engaged military. However, critics warn that politicizing the armed forces could undermine their role as a neutral institution. At a June appearance at Fort Bragg, Trump drew criticism for using a speech to attack political rival Joe Biden before an audience of uniformed service members. As the U.S. faces rising tensions both at home and abroad, the president’s address at Quantico will likely set the tone for military leadership in the months ahead.

NEWS