U.S.Defense Secretary Hagerty called on military leaders to prepare for potential warfare. “From this moment on, the newly reinstated War Department has only one mission: to fight, prepare for battle, and win.”
Hagerty stated this does not mean America seeks war, but rather because America desires peace. He emphasized: “No one here wants war.” Yet those who hope for peace must prepare for war.
Senior U.S. military commanders were unexpectedly summoned from their bases to attend this meeting in Virginia. U.S. media reported that many Pentagon officials remained unclear about the purpose of the gathering, even after it concluded. Politico quoted a defense official as saying, “An email would have sufficed.” Another official called it “a complete waste of money.”
Following Hagerty’s remarks, President Trump echoed similar sentiments. Addressing the assembled military leaders, he declared: “Together, we are reawakening the will to fight.”
U.S. media reported that Trump tasked Hagerty—recently appointed Secretary of War (formerly Secretary of Defense)—to convene senior commanders stationed worldwide. Analysts deemed the meeting’s scale and impromptu nature highly unusual.
Weeks earlier, Hagerty had already discussed reviving the “warrior ethos” to deter foreign enemies. At this meeting, he introduced new standards: failure to meet “male combat fitness standards,” or neglecting grooming like shaving, would result in suspension.
If this means women cannot obtain certain combat assignments, so be it. “That’s not the intent, but it could be the result,” Hagel stated.
The Secretary expressed particular concern over the weight of some military personnel. “Seeing overweight soldiers is exhausting,” he remarked. “It’s equally unacceptable to see overweight generals at the Pentagon or commanders across the nation and around the world.” He announced orders for regular physical fitness assessments.
The Pentagon chief has pushed reforms at the department for months, including barring transgender individuals from the military. He told the assembled military leaders that the department had been “woke-infiltrated.” Critics contend his actions are ideologically driven and discriminatory.
In his speech, Trump asserted that the military’s mission extends beyond defending against external enemies to include “internal” adversaries.
Over the weekend, Trump announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to Portland. Earlier this year, he sent National Guard troops to Los Angeles despite protests from local officials. He also threatened to deploy troops to Chicago.
Trump stated in his speech that he told Hagerman, “We should use parts of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military.”
Trump acknowledged facing criticism for deploying the National Guard. But he asserted that America is engaged in an internal war. “This is an internal war. Controlling our borders is critical to national security. We cannot let these people in,” he declared.
