President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered remarks to the nation’s top military leaders Tuesday morning, outlining a vision of renewed strength for the armed forces while unveiling controversial new standards that are already drawing debate.
The gathering, held at Marine Corps Base Quantico, brought together every U.S. military general and flag officer at the one-star rank and above. The meeting, billed as a discussion on “warrior ethos,” was initially scheduled as a short speech from Hegseth. But Trump, according to Hegseth, requested to attend so he could speak directly to the officers in the room.
Trump’s Remarks: Gratitude and Strengthening the Force
The president opened with thanks and praise for the assembled commanders. He described serving as their commander-in-chief as “the highest honor,” even sprinkling in lighthearted jokes about the formality of the setting.
“There can be no higher honor than to serve as your commander-in-chief,” Trump said, adding that the generals looked like they had come “out of central casting.”
Trump vowed to continue backing the military with full support, promising that his administration would make the force “stronger, faster, and better” in the years to come. He also highlighted recent recruitment successes, noting that several branches had exceeded their enlistment goals well ahead of schedule.
“I have your backs 100%,” Trump said.
Hegseth’s New Standards: One Bar for All
Hegseth used his time at the podium to lay out sweeping new requirements aimed at what he called restoring discipline and readiness.
He criticized what he described as a “woke” culture in the military, saying too many promotions had been tied to identity rather than merit. “All military members should be held to the same standards, regardless of race or gender,” he said.
The most significant change is the introduction of gender-neutral fitness tests. All service members will now take the same physical test twice a year, regardless of their job or gender.
“If you do not meet the male-level physical standards for combat positions, cannot pass a PT test, or don’t want to shave and look professional, it’s time for a new position or a new profession,” Hegseth declared.
He emphasized the move was not about excluding women but about maintaining high standards. “If that results in fewer women enlisting, so be it,” he added.
Hegseth also announced a return to strict grooming rules, saying the military will no longer allow widespread shaving waivers. “No more beardos,” he said. “The era of rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles is done.”
A Broader Review of Standards
The new directives come on the heels of a Pentagon-wide review of physical fitness and grooming policies launched earlier this year. That review sought to eliminate gender-based differences in combat roles while promoting uniform expectations across the force.
In March, Hegseth wrote on X that the U.S. had “allowed standards to slip,” signaling his determination to reverse course. Tuesday’s announcements also build on his January initiative to restore what he calls the “warrior ethos,” rebuild the military, and reestablish deterrence.
Criticism Over the Meeting Itself
While Trump and Hegseth’s remarks were welcomed by some in the room, the meeting itself has been a lightning rod for criticism.
Defense watchers noted the extraordinary nature of the event. While secretaries of defense routinely meet with senior military leaders, assembling hundreds of them from across the globe on short notice is rare — and, according to some critics, risky.
Concerns have centered on the cost of transporting so many high-ranking officers, the vulnerability of gathering much of the military’s top leadership in one place, and the timing given current global tensions.
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