Ex-lieutenant general slams Trump for breaking unwritten rule while speaking to military leaders

Hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals were summoned to Quantico, Virginia, on September 30 for an emergency meeting led by President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The sudden order forced leaders from around the world to fly in, sparking speculation about potential cuts or dismissals.

Hegseth’s speech quickly stirred controversy. He called for ending so-called “woke” practices in the military, criticizing women in combat roles, diversity initiatives, and what he labeled “overweight generals and admirals.” He also pushed for stricter grooming and fitness standards.

Defense officials were unimpressed. One told Politico the gathering “could have been an email,” while others blasted the event as a major security risk for putting so many top commanders in the same location unnecessarily.

Trump’s own remarks were equally provocative, including his oft-repeated line about “two N words,” one being “nuclear.” Critics described his address as more of a spectacle than a serious briefing.

Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, a former commander of U.S. Army Europe, openly condemned the meeting. Speaking on MSNBC, he said Hegseth’s comments pressured officers to consider unlawful actions and violated military codes of professionalism.

Hertling stressed that commanders would not carry out illegal orders but noted the frustration among leaders forced to sit through what he called a public display of discipline. Many, he said, left questioning the directives while reaffirming their commitment to lawful service.

He concluded the real damage was reputational: embarrassing respected officers in front of cameras, eroding trust, and undermining the military’s integrity.