Trump, Hegseth Demand Excellence From Military Brass
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stood before hundreds of the nation’s top military leaders Tuesday and made clear that the War Department is returning to uncompromising standards. He announced that all combat roles will now be held to “the highest male standard,” emphasizing that the stakes of war demand nothing less.
“This job is life or death,” Hegseth said. “Standards must be met … it’s common sense and core to who we are and what we do.”
The unprecedented gathering at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, brought together leaders from every branch of the armed forces. Legacy outlets speculated about its purpose, but Hegseth’s message was straightforward: the War Department exists to prepare for and win wars. Minutes later, President Donald Trump arrived to reinforce the message, declaring that America’s military must be so strong “that no nation will dare challenge us, no enemy will dare threaten us, and no adversary can even think about beating us.”
Hegseth, pacing in front of a massive American flag, told his audience that the era of quotas, DEI mandates, and ideological distractions was over. “No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses,” he said. Some commanders have already been removed, he added, for failing to align with the new warfighting culture.
Trump echoed that bluntness. “Now we’re back,” he told the brass. “We’re not gonna have any of that crap happen, I can tell you.”
Hegseth outlined sweeping changes to military fitness requirements. Every member of the force, at every rank, will take biannual PT tests and meet annual height and weight standards. “It’s unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon,” he said. “It’s a bad look, and it’s not who we are.”
He rejected claims that the stricter standards were aimed at excluding women. “If women can make it, excellent. If not, it is what it is. Weak men won’t qualify either. This is combat. This is life or death.”
The secretary made it clear that those unwilling to embrace the shift should resign. “If the words I’m saying today are making your heart sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign,” he told the room. At the same time, he suggested many leaders were relieved to return to core mission priorities.
Trump praised the assembled brass, calling America’s military “the greatest and most elite fighting force in the history of the world.” He promised unwavering support. “In this effort, we’re a team,” he said. “I am with you, I support you and, as president, I have your backs 100%. We are going to make our military stronger, tougher, faster, fiercer, and more powerful than it has ever been before.”
“There could be no higher honor than to serve as your Commander-in-Chief,” Trump concluded. “To each and every one of you, I thank you for your unwavering devotion to the Armed Forces and the country we’ve all sworn a sacred oath to defend.”