Trump and Hegseth Address Military Leaders at Quantico (September 30, 2025)
On September 30, 2025, President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed senior military leaders at a rare meeting at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
- Hegseth criticized military leadership for promoting based on diversity and “historic firsts,” and called out “fat generals” and admirals.
- Trump also addressed the officers, and the event drew significant media attention for its tone and content.
Timeline of the Quantico Meeting (September 30, 2025)
8:23 AM – Hegseth opens the meeting: “Welcome to the War Department.” Announces the end of the Department of Defense era and focus on warfighting.
8:28 AM – Hegseth: “If we are going to prevent and avoid war, we must prepare now.” Announces restoration of the defense industrial base and onshoring critical components.
8:29 AM – Hegseth: Pentagon “became the ‘woke’ department.” Criticizes past leadership for diversity-based promotions.
8:32 AM – Hegseth: Only Congress can officially change the Defense Department’s name.
8:41 AM – Hegseth: “The era of unprofessional appearance is over.” Announces new grooming and physical standards. Criticizes “fat” troops and generals.
8:47 AM – Hegseth: Overhauling Pentagon’s inspector general and equal opportunity programs. Ends “walking on eggshells” policy.
8:49 AM – Hegseth: Slams “toxic leaders” and announces review of bullying/hazing definitions.
8:56 AM – Hegseth: Defends firing senior officers who promoted diversity as strength.
8:58 AM – Hegseth: “Anonymous, online or keyboard complaining is not worthy of a warrior.”
9:09 AM – Hegseth: “No more politically correct and overbearing rules of engagement.”
9:20 AM – Hegseth: Urges leaders to say “never again” to nation building and unclear end states.
9:27 AM – Trump acknowledges cost of the meeting but calls it “great spiritizing.” Says unfit officials will be fired.
9:33 AM – Trump begins speech, praises military leaders as “central casting.” Warns that leaving the room means losing rank/future.
9:41 AM – Trump: “Reawakening the warrior spirit.” Claims U.S. strength enabled peace negotiations.
9:54 AM – Trump discusses promotion papers, tariffs, Nobel Peace Prize, and criticizes Biden.
10:04 AM – Trump pledges $1 trillion for military in 2026. Announces Navy expansion and focus on fitness/ability.
10:31 AM – Trump: Troops and federal agents should be able to “hit” protesters who spit at them. Mentions National Guard deployments.
10:43 AM – Trump: “Department of War will deter wars.” Praises military and slams Biden administration.
1:23 PM – Trump: Cities can be “training grounds” for military. Mentions executive order for quick reaction force to quell civil disturbances.
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