President Donald Trump pushed back against Vice President JD Vance on Thursday regarding the significance of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s order for top U.S. military officials to gather next week.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described the upcoming meeting in northern Virginia as “a big story,” even after Vance downplayed it as “not unusual.”
Why It Matters
Hegseth has directed hundreds of senior military officers to assemble at a Marine Corps base in northern Virginia next week for an unscheduled meeting. The Pentagon has not offered a reason for the gathering, prompting speculation across media and defense circles.
The session, scheduled for Tuesday at Quantico, is expected to bring together generals and admirals of one-star rank and above, along with senior advisers, according to the Associated Press. The Washington Post first reported on the event, which follows sweeping personnel cuts under Trump’s second administration. However, there is no indication the meeting will focus on staffing issues.
The U.S. currently has about 800 generals and admirals.
What To Know
While signing a new set of executive orders, Trump remarked on the gathering:
“Isn’t it nice that people are coming from all over the world to be with us?”
Vance interjected, telling reporters:
“It’s not particularly unusual that generals who report to the secretary of war and into the President of the United States are coming to speak with the secretary of war. It’s actually not unusual at all, and I think it’s odd that you guys have made it into such a big story.”
Trump responded:
“Is it a big story?”
When Vance answered no, Trump quipped back:
“Isn’t it a good story?”
The President also suggested the meeting may involve reviewing military equipment.
“We have the greatest equipment in the world,” Trump said. “A lot of generals want to be here. They’re also going to be touring equipment sites and talking about the newest weapons.”
He added that he would attend the gathering “if they want me.”
This comes shortly after Trump and Hegseth announced the Department of Defense would be renamed the Department of War.
What People Are Saying
The meeting follows a series of reforms within the department. In May, Hegseth ordered a 20 percent reduction in four-star generals and admirals, a 10 percent cut among all other flag officers, and directed the National Guard to eliminate one-fifth of its senior positions.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed Thursday:
“The Secretary of War will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week.” He offered no additional details.
What Happens Next
More information about the purpose of the meeting is expected once it concludes. In the meantime, reports suggest Hegseth and senior defense officials are developing a new national defense strategy.
