DONALD Trump is set to give an unprecedented address to hundreds of top army generals at a mystery Department of War meeting.
Nearly 1,000 military bigwigs from all corners of the world have travelled to a base in Virginia for the unusual summit – with details of the talks scarce.
APDonald Trump will speak to hundreds of top brass figures in a mysterious and unprecedented meeting[/caption]
GettyNearly 1,000 leading officers will attend the military meeting[/caption]
EPADefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revealed little about the nature of the talks[/caption]
Rampant speculation has been mounting since the meeting’s announcement – given its short notice, little explanation and extraordinary nature.
But the Don has revealed that the summit is “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”.
He said: “We have some great people coming in, and it’s just an esprit de corps.”
Heavyweight generals and admirals stationed in more than a dozen countries – including conflict zones such as the Middle East – have flown in for the meeting at Marine Corps base in Quantico.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has shed a small light on the eyebrow-raising summit – saying it would be focused on the “warrior ethos” of the US.
He also said his intention was to outline a new vision for the military – having recently adopted the catchphrase “Make America Lethal Again.”
Over 800 brigadier-general or higher ranked figures will be attending, along with navy equivalents.
Hegseth has long been a staunch advocate of improving military standards and reviving the warfighting spirit among US troops.
White House officials said the Defense Sec is looking to lead a positive meeting, praising the military’s accomplishments and laying out a new vision for the Department of War.
Trump has played down huge speculation, after Hegseth seemingly left the world in the dark with the meeting.
He said on the meeting last week: “I love it, I mean, I think it’s great- let [Hegseth] be friendly with the generals and admirals from all over the world.
“You act like this is a bad thing. Isn’t it nice that people are coming from all over the world to be with us?”
The meeting cones as the country faces a government shutdown – with the talks set to take place on the eve of the 11:59pm deadline for Congress to take action.
Experts suggested that the meeting’s scale and mysterious nature have caused it to draw heaping attention.
News of the meeting was suddenly revealed last Thursday, with leading Pentagon officials confirming it but refusing to comment.
ReutersA US Army soldier inspects a weapon at the military parade in June[/caption]
ReutersJD Vance said the media had turned the meeting into a big story[/caption]
APDonald Trump pictured with Pete Hegseth (L) during the military parade in June[/caption]
At the time, Trump was unaware of the summit, according to his interaction with reporters on the day it was announced.
The US President said he would “be there if they want me, but why is that such a big deal?”
It was announced on Sunday that he would take part and speak at the briefing.
Vice President JD Vance said last week the media had decided to make it into a “big story”.
He warned it was “not particularly unusual that generals who report to” Hegseth are coming to a meeting with him.
Why has Trump renamed the Department of Defense?
PRESIDENT Donald Trump signed an executive order to change the name of the Department of Defense back to the Department of War.
He and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the move in an effort to restore the “warrior ethos” in America.
Hegseth noted that America has not won a major war since the name, which was first introduced by George Washington, was changed in 1949.
The Defense Secretary said he hopes the order will restore a “warrior ethos” that will encourage armed forces to fight “decisively” and end conflicts.
Trump said that America could have won every war of the past, but instead leaders chose to be “wokey”.
When asked to explain the repercussions of the change, Trump said: “I think it sends a message of victory, really a message of strength.”
Under the new order, major signage changes will have to be implemented at the Pentagon.
The building’s public affairs briefing room has been renamed the “Pentagon War Annex”.
Trump insisted these wouldn’t be costly changes, and explained that he would be mindful of federal funds.
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