Trump to Attend High-Level Military Gathering at Quantico

September 28, 2025 - QUANTICO, VA - President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he will attend a major gathering of U.S. military leaders organized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, scheduled for Tuesday at Marine Corps Base Quantico. The event is expected to draw hundreds of generals and admirals from across the armed forces.

In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump described the meeting as "really just a very nice gathering," focused on military readiness and morale. "We're talking about how well we're doing militarily, talking about being in great shape, talking about a lot of good, positive things," he said.

The president emphasized the spirit of unity among attendees, invoking the phrase "esprit de corps" to characterize the tone of the event. "We have some great people coming in... We're talking about what we're doing, what they're doing, and how we're doing," Trump added.

Sudden Orders, Heightened Security

The Washington Post first reported the gathering last week, noting that invitations were issued on short notice and without explanation. Trump's planned appearance has prompted additional security measures, with the Secret Service now overseeing event logistics.

An official familiar with the planning told NBC that the meeting is intended to showcase the military's accomplishments and outline future priorities under the Trump administration. The event also reflects Hegseth's emphasis on cultivating a "warrior spirit" within the ranks - a theme he has championed since taking office.

Context and Controversy

The timing of the gathering has raised eyebrows, coming amid ongoing reshuffling of senior military leadership. Critics have pointed to the administration's aggressive personnel changes as a backdrop to the event, while supporters view it as a celebration of military strength and cohesion.

Vice President J.D. Vance dismissed concerns about the unusual nature of the meeting. "It's actually not unusual at all, and I think it's odd that you guys have made it into such a big story," Vance said last week.

Trump echoed that sentiment during remarks at the White House, saying, "I think it's great when generals and top people want to come to the United States to be with our now-secretary of War." He suggested the gathering would include tours of equipment sites and discussions about advanced weapons systems.

Looking Ahead

The Quantico meeting is expected to be one of the largest assemblies of senior military officials during Trump's second term. While details remain limited, the event underscores the administration's efforts to reframe military leadership around themes of discipline, modernization, and morale.