U.S. President Donald Trump told America’s top generals that U.S. cities should serve as “training grounds” for the military.
Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on Tuesday, Trump described civil unrest as an “enemy from within,” which he believes requires military action.
The gathering brought together nearly 800 high-ranking officers. Security was tight at the Quantico base as Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the crowd.
Highlights
- President Trump called U.S. cities “training grounds” for the military to combat civil unrest deemed an “enemy from within.”
- Trump criticized diversity and inclusion in the military, saying it weakens forces and promotes “woke garbage” and “risk-averse” leadership.
- Pentagon shifts culture with new strict "male-level" fitness standards and bans on beards and long hair, announced by Pete Hegseth.
Donald Trump said U.S. cities should serve as training grounds for the military
Image credits: Alex Wong/Getty Images
Trump defended his deployment of National Guard troops in cities such as Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Portland.
He also said Democratic-led cities, including San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, were “unsafe places” and that his administration is going to “straighten them out one by one.”
He told the officers in the room that taking control of America’s streets would be “a major part” of their duties.
“It's a war from within. Controlling the physical territory of our borders is essential for national security. We can’t let these people in,” Trump said.
The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 generally bars federal troops from engaging in civilian law enforcement, but Trump has argued that exceptions allow him to send forces into U.S. cities.
The president also repeated his long-standing criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the military.
He argued that these policies weakened the armed forces and promoted “risk-averse” officers who were affected by “climate change distractions,” “woke garbage,” and fears of being labeled as “toxic” leaders.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker pushed back, accusing Trump of trying to “invade and disrupt” American cities with military troops and ICE officers.
“Our troops and our nation deserve better than you acting as a petty tyrant,” he wrote on social media.
Hegseth, who spoke before Trump, outlined a sharp cultural shift for the Pentagon. He announced that military officers will have to meet strict “male-level” fitness standards and pass physical tests for height and weight twice a year.
Pete Hegseth announced that military officers will have to meet ‘male-level’ fitness standards
Image credits: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
“It’s unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the Pentagon,” Hegseth said. He also banned beards and long hair.
Hegseth then acknowledged that the new standards might prevent some women from serving in combat roles. But he argued that high, consistent requirements were necessary.
“Standards must be uniform, gender-neutral, and high,” he said.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a veteran, warned that Hegseth’s comments could hurt the future of the U.S. military.
“His comments today are going to affect all kinds of recruiting, not just women. I don't know folks who want to serve in a military that’s being used for political theater,” she told the BBC.
Image credits: Alex Wong/Getty Images
Duckworth accused Hegseth of trying to push women and people of color out of the armed forces.
Hegseth also defended his decision to fire several commanders in recent months, stating that he trusted his instincts and would continue to make leadership changes.
“More leadership changes will be made, I’m certain,” he said.
Despite the weight of the announcements, the assembled generals reacted with silence.
Trump joked about the lack of applause, saying, “I’ve never walked into a room so silent before.”
“This is very inter— don’t laugh, don’t laugh. You’re not allowed to do that. You know what, just have a good time. And if you want to applaud, you applaud. And if you don’t like what I’m saying, you can leave the room.
“Of course, there goes your rank, there goes your future,” Trump added as some laughter could be heard in the room.
The generals reacted to Trump’s announcement with silence
Throughout his wide-ranging speech, Trump also praised his own record, claiming he had “settled” seven wars and hoped for an eighth if Hamas accepted the proposal he put forward with Israel.
He also reasserted the idea of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, portraying himself as the peacemaker.
“Will you get the Nobel Prize? Absolutely not,” Trump said. “They’ll give it to some guy that didn’t do a damn thing.”
He said it would be a “big insult” to the U.S. if he did not receive the award.