President Donald Trump said he plans to attend the unusual gathering that will be hosted by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
President Donald Trump will attend a gathering near Washington with generals and other top military leaders this week, the president told the press on Sunday.
“It’s really just a very nice meeting talking about how well we’re doing militarily, talking about being in great shape, talking about a lot of good, positive things. It’s just a good message,” Trump told NBC News in a phone call.
Earlier, Trump had been ambivalent about whether he’d attend the gathering in Quantico Marine Corps Base, Virginia, telling reporters he would “be there if they want me.”
On Sunday, Trump told NBC that one of the purposes of the gathering would be building an “esprit de corps,” describing an attitude of loyalty, camaraderie, and honor toward one’s organization.
“We have some great people coming in, and it’s just an ‘esprit de corps.’ You know the expression ‘esprit de corps’? That’s all it’s about. We’re talking about what we’re doing, what they’re doing, and how we’re doing.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth first announced the meeting last week through a spokesperson, informing the public that he was summoning the Pentagon’s top brass from all over the world. It is unclear how many generals and admirals are expected to attend, or when they were summoned. Specifics of the purpose behind the summit have also been limited.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Sept. 25 that Hegseth “will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week,” but did not disclose the agenda or purpose of the meeting. The gathering will be held in Quantico.
In an interview with Reuters, Trump said he wants to tell the generals “we love them.”
“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,” Trump said.
“That’s all that is, esprit de corps. It’s about time somebody did that,” Trump added.
Hegseth and Trump have sought sweeping changes to U.S. military posturing, rebranding the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and undertaking initiatives to restructure the U.S. defense branch.
By Joseph Lord
